The Investigator

How easy is it to replace a battery? Ty Pendlebury investigates when internal batteries can cost you a trip to a service centre.

Our reader J. Butterworth wrote to us because the battery in his Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC 3630 finally conked out. Unfortunately, the device was out of warranty, and so he rang the manufacturer to arrange a replacement.

HP duly informed him that the only way to get a replacement was to take the unit into a service centre. As the warranty had expired, this was likely to cost quite a lot. Mr Butterworth thought this stance was 'unfair', and couldn't think of any other device that needed to be returned to the manufacturer 'unless it was a life saving device or requires calibration after the battery is removed.'

Our reader didn't want to pay a company to do something he was willing and able to do himself. A web search brought up several US companies who were able to sell him iPaq batteries, but our reader wanted a physical shopfront he could deal with if there were any problems, rather than a faceless PO box.

On the case
We rang HP technical support and they confirmed we would need to send the item in to be serviced, and weren't able to give a quote over the phone.

So then, with some investigation, we were able to find a local distributor of iPAQ batteries - PSA Parts - through its website at: www.mobilepower.com.au.

We passed on this information, and our reader contacted PSA Parts himself. He was informed there were two different batteries available for his iPaq: the official Compaq 'Danionics' 1000mAh for $133.85, and a more powerful 1400mAh generic battery for $89.95. Both batteries come with a one year return to base warranty. Mr Butterworth chose to have the generic brand mailed out to him, and he still had the option of visiting the warehouse if there were any problems.

Is the battery at fault?
A good way to check if the battery is the problem is if the device works when plugged into power but won't work otherwise. Different rechargeable batteries have different properties: lithium ion batteries are the most popular for portable devices, including the iPAQ, because they have a good power-to-weight ratio and are able to be recharged. They also don't suffer from 'memory effect' like nickel cadmium batteries - meaning they doesn't remember the last point at which you recharged it as being 'empty', even if it was only half full. The problem with Lithium Ion batteries is that they don't have a great shelf life, and after a few years they will need replacing.

The iPod
The iPod is another device with an internal battery, but unlike the iPAQ, doesn't have any visible screws or other obvious way to access the internals. This helps to make the unit look seamless, but doesn't help a user who wants to replace the battery or hard-drive.

According to Apple support, the iPod requires special tools and so cannot be accessed by the user. Contrary to this, there are plenty of internet sites which can show you how to open the case, and also several Australian suppliers, including PSA Parts, who can supply at least a Series 1 iPod battery (the iPod is now in its fourth series).
Unfortunately, this doesn't help the majority of users out there with iPods, who don't want to pay the costs of battery replacement, and aren't aware that there's an alternative method of battery replacement.

Conclusion
So, when buying a device with a rechargeable battery, check what kind it is and also if the battery is easily removable - particularly if you plan on using the device for several years. Also, check if the battery is covered for the full term of the warranty: some products have exclusions for specific parts depending on their volatility, and though this usually only applies to things like motors and lenses, it doesn't hurt to be sure. And finally, if you do go the path of replacing a battery yourself through alternative suppliers like PSA Parts, be aware that you could void your warranty.