Long-term virtue of removeable battery?

[Bostonian]

The 3955 looks like it might be perfect for me, but the only thing that gives me pause is that removeable batteries are now starting to appear in handhelds (h1910, h5450, Dell, etc).

I don't need to use extra batteries for long flights, etc, but I am concerned about the long-term life of the fixed battery. Manufacturers always say the Li-Ion batteries have no memory effect (thus implying that they don't wear out) but if my cell phone experience is any indication, they do slowly lose their charging capacity, most noticeable after a year or so.

If I get a 3900 series, will I be looking at shipping the thing to HP in a couple of years to get a new battery installed?

Or am I worrying too much?

[imported_DavidM]

Simply buy a 3 year CarePaq so you don't have to worry about it.
One of the reason the 3900's battery outlast the 5400's is because the battery is built-in so it is shaped to fit and thus higher capacity than the removable ones. (Although their new Denmark made battery seems to last longer now.)
Some of the 5400 people are having battery issues right now (among other problems).
The big questions is whether you NEED built-in WIFI and/or finger print scan.
There is always the option of AAA battery extender when it comes to needing more juice.

[imported_DavidM]

Oh, another thing, they are selling user replaceable battery kits so you can change the built-in battery yourself.
It doesn't look too difficult.

[kikedeolivos]

Originally posted by DavidM
...Simply buy a 3 year CarePaq so you don't have to worry about it...

There's no reason to buy a Care Paq if he's only worried for battery life. How much does it cost a 3 year CarePaq, $ 200? $ 300?

When his battery wears out, he can have installed a new original one.(parts and labor) for $ 99.

Here

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail....ID=I38-LIBAT01

I have had the 3955 since October 2002 and it has been an amazingly good buy.

My $ 0.02

[christak]

I have had a 3950 since July and it's wonderful...

Regarding the battery, I wouldn't worry too much. I replaced an internal battery myself on my old 3630 in about 15 minutes for under $55. It's really not that hard...

[Bostonian]

Thanks, everyone. It's good to know that replacing the internal battery myself is an option -- I've built 2 or 3 PCs from scratch so I imagine I can manage the task when the time comes.

So I think I'll go out this weekend and git me a 3955. CompUSA claims to have 'em in the store for $450.

[warning: abrupt topic change]

About that $450 price tag... reading back on the discussion threads, I surmise there's been a fair bit of price fluctuation in the last 2 months.

So - is this a good price for a bricks-and-mortar store? Very good price? Average price? Am I an idiot for wasting time typing this instead of rushing out to the store?

[jmichaelp]

Well Bostonian, as a comparison, I paid $700 or whatever the price was when they came out. I'd take $450 in a heartbeat!

[kikedeolivos]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jmichaelp
Well Bostonian, as a comparison, I paid $700 or whatever the price was when they came out. I'd take $450 in a heartbeat! [/QUOTE

Bostonionan

$ 600 here so...run Forrest run!!!!!!!!!Go gor it.

[Bostonian]

puttin' on my jogging shoes