Can the TH55 Battery Be Replaced Easily?

[depret]

Can the TH55 Battery Be Replaced Easily?

I have read all the reviews and do not recall it being mentioned.

I know the battery life is awsome (based on reviews) but sometime in the future I WILL replace it.

[Cyker]

It looks like it's a bloody lot easier to replace than the one on the T665!

There's a little cover on the side and everything!

[rlc7254]

Originally posted by depret
Can the TH55 Battery Be Replaced Easily?

I have read all the reviews and do not recall it being mentioned.

I know the battery life is awsome (based on reviews) but sometime in the future I WILL replace it.

According to the Sony specs in the user manual, the battery is not user replaceable.

 :D

[1145climber]

ahhhh!!! i hate non-user replaceable batteries. clies should have back-up batteries, and user changeable ones (like the nz). it would be so nice to have a spare with me.

[Icthus]

There is always this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=Hc3iYSMeO4Lif2MtqGDoamwP0rhmJAWQ60Y=?CategoryName=hp_ClieAccessories_PEG-TH55Accessories&ProductSKU=PEGABC10&Dept=hp) so you can charge it with 4 AAs.

[EdFrmBrighthand]

There are advantages and disadvantages to either option.

If you make the battery swappable, the battery has to be smaller and with less capacity than if you had built it in. You also have to include a backup battery to keep the device from hard resetting when the battery is out. Basically, this means that using swappable batteries adds to the cost and complexity of the device, while reducing the battery life (if you haven't spent $50 on a second battery.)

Of course, with swappable batteries you have the option of buying a replacement batery, which significantly increases the amount of time you can use your device. Very convenient, if you are willing to put down the $50 for a replacement battery.

Still, even with non-replaceable batteries, you have moble recharging options. You can pick up for about $12 an adapter that will let you recharge your handheld with a 9 volt battery. Not nearly as easy to use as a swappable battery, but much cheaper.

It seems to me that swappble batteries are more convenient, but they cost more. The non-swappable option is more hassle, but cheaper. You make the decision.

[depret]

EdFrmBrighthand, Icthus, 1145climber, rlc7254 and Cyker:

I was hoping someone would take the battery cover off and provide us with a picture. I want to see what is possible on the TH55. You can see it done in a C760 review.

http://www.pdabuyerguide.com/sharp_zaurus_C760.htm

I think Cyker clearly states the frustrations and wants of current T665C owners with respect to short battery life later in the PDA life cycle.

TH55 manual states:
"Approx 15 days (when PIMs, such as Date Book, are operated for 30 minutes per day with the backlight on)"
"Approx 9 days (when PIMs, such as Date Book, are operated for 30 minutes per day with the backlight on)"

Translation: Continous on times of 7.5 hrs (backlight off) and 4.5 hrs (backlight 100% on). The review units seem to be exceed the spec (rare in deed).

T675C spec is 12 day from PDA Essentials (I must assume 30min/day ...). Translation: 6 hrs of continuous on time. I do not think I ever go this number on the T665C and no review stated more than 3.5 hrs of continuous on time.

I appreciate the comments.

P.S. BatteryTIME or Palm Benchmark results would be greatly appreciated. If your spending time reviewing other units, is it possible to execute the BatteryTIME or PalmBench test on the unit and report the result to a thread?