"iPod's Dirty Secret." (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1804&e=2&u=/washpost/20031220/tc_washpost/a16540_2003dec19) (the story)
"iPod's Dirty Secret" (http://www.ipodsdirtysecret.com/) (the movie)
Interesting - and rumor has it that Apple is working on a mini iPod (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/mwsf04apple.html)...
I don't think that iPod/Apple is the sole owner of this issue. My Tungsten E contains a non-customer replaceable battery. I did not let this issue cloud my purchase decision.
1.) I got "vague" rearseurances that if the batt fails I can send the unit to Palm for replacement. I'm not sure if there would be costs to me but with an extended warranty I am hopeful that it would be covered. These are the type of things that are cloudy until you have to use them.
2.) The Tungsten E is an entry level unit. My thinking is that after I have exhausted the units battery life I am more than likely ready to jump to a "newer" more advanced Palm package. The more expensive units are batt replaceable.
3.) I'm pretty good with working with small spaces and wires. I'm thinkning I would have a better than average chance of getting the battery replaced and have a working unit after the "operation".
4.) Electronic "stuff" is not the same as we bought them in the past (for those of us old enough to remember units built with "Russian like tank steel".) Most of todays technology is disposable and it is a fact that is here to stay.
David
And just for jollies here is a forum that has some pics of the inside of a Tungsten E. I figure by the time I need to replace the batt someone will have a step by step posted to the internet. Skip the translation download and just let the pics load.
http://www.tompda.com/bbs/display.asp?luntan=3&forumID=1465211 (http://www.tompda.com/bbs/display.asp?luntan=3&forumID=1465211)
David
The large component with UP383562A stamped on it is the batt.
http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?rrc=N&pg=prod&ref=UP383562A (http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?rrc=N&pg=prod&ref=UP383562A)
Looks like a plug in vs. a solder job. Easy arse crap if you ask me.
David
Just to clarify ...
The batt in the Tungsten E has two additional designators stamped in the batt. This site sells the original batt and states soldering is needed to the motherboard.
http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA1459&Category_Code=BATT (http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA1459&Category_Code=BATT)
I'm wondering though if one could simply snip the leads present with the OEM batt and solder the new leads to the existing ends, eliminating the need to fit a fine tip iron onto the motherboard. You can get "heat shrink" wire wrap to seal the contact at that point.
Just a thought ....
David
mang, you just got this thing and you are already wanting to take her apart!
I saw a Tungsten at Target for 200 bucks, very nice.