Tungsten E - audio with no user replaceable battery?

by gillises Jan 16, 2006 2:01AM PST

I use my Tungsten E for everything. It's quickly approaching the 2 year mark, and I have a 2-year service contract through Staples. I have never had a Palm last more than 2 years, so I've always gotten the service contract which has provided me with the amount I paid to put toward a new one. Not a bad deal, actually, since it's allowed me to upgrade regularly and never have to deal with the battery replacement issue. However, this Tungsten seems like it's going to last forever (or at least outlast the service contract, which ends in March). I am starting to worry because the battery life is ok for PDA use, but not so hot when I use it for audio. I am fast becoming an audio junkie, and I like to use my Palm since I always have it in my purse. I can listen to music, audiobooks from Audible, podcasts, whatever. Ever since I discovered this feature of my Palm about 3 months ago, I am using it much more. I know this is putting a huge drain on the battery and now I'm wondering if it would be wise to purchase a separate mp3 player if using my Palm for audio will end up forcing me to have to replace it. Anyone else out there been using a Palm a lot for audio? How has the battery held out? I'd appreciate some advice. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Just sharing.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 16, 2006 3:31AM PST

My Palm IIIC looks like it needs a battery but still works but for about 1/2 the number of hours (was 8, now 4.) The unit is 5 years old.

I have it in my cradle here still for testing software I write for the Palm, but my new Palm which has replaced my IIIC is the T|X.

I can't explain why I get so many years.

Bob

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Thanks - I think it's the audio

by gillises Jan 16, 2006 5:40AM PST

Thanks for the info. Did you often use your IIIC to play audio? It seems like that's what really drains the battery so quickly. The T/X is on my wish list for my next model, so if m y TEdies before March (which I doubt), I'll get one. I hear its batter life is much better. Otherwise I will hang in there and get all I can out of my Tungsten E. I don't see myself paying to replace the battery when I only paid $199 for the whole unit.

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The IIIC didn't have such a capability. Can I ask?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 16, 2006 7:28AM PST

Since I found the E battery pretty fast with google at http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA1459&Category_Code=BATT I wonder why you claim it can't be replaced?

Bob

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I know it can, but it's not something I can do

by gillises Jan 16, 2006 10:00AM PST

Thanks for the link, but the part is sold out. I've found it at other sites, though. My problem is that I don't have the tools to solder, nor do I know how to do it. Plus there's the torx kit to purchase to get the casing open. I'm not so good with tools...I wouldn't want to spend the money for the tools and the battery, only to mess it up.

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I think you can do this.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 16, 2006 10:33AM PST

The torx set is just like using a screwdriver. If you can change a lightbulb, you can do this step.

The solder work is also on the simple side. Here's some links.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+solder

The battery goes in and out of stock and ... even with buying the torx set, solder iron kit (radio shack?) and the battery if your PDA is dead/unusable due to the battery it's a low risk operation.

In parting, I think it's a grand skill to pick up and if not, start dropping hints to your friends you may need to get some wires soldered. Someone you know will likely be a soldering wiz.

Bob

Tungsten E - audio with no user replaceable battery?

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