Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?

Like virtually all mobile computer manufacturers, Apple recommends that users calibrate their laptop batteries every few months, as Scott pointed out a couple of years ago. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Apple does not include a utility to automatically perform a calibration. Given Apple's uncanny ability to make things user-friendly, this seems like a bit of a glaring oversight. What are the benefits of calibration? Primarily the goal is to ensure that the microprocessor in your battery provides an accurate estimate of how much time you have left on the battery. Over time it can lose track of just how much juice your battery has in it, and calibration gives it a very accurate reading on the battery's health. Older battery technologies also benefited from a process called conditioning, which was typically performed the same way as a current battery's calibration process. In a nutshell, you fully charge the battery, fully discharge it, then fully charge it again. It's unclear whether modern lithium batteries gain anything in an actual capacity perspective from this process, or if it is simply a calibration of the microprocessor for the purpose of providing accurate time estimates.Continue reading Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPod

If there's anything I've learned about the iPhone 3G since July 11th, it's that the battery life is horrible. If I'm just texting and making the occasional call, I can survive for a day, but if I try to play games or use 3G I know it's going to go to the dreaded red battery icon quickly.That's why there are a growing number of manufacturers who have extended battery packs for the iPhone on the market. For example, I looked at the Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger (US$49.99), but the website doesn't show that it works with the iPhone 3G. My next choice was the Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery. This US$49.95 lithium-ion battery pack has saved me from running out of juice prematurely more than once! Read on for more information about this must-have sidekick for the iPhone 3G.Continue reading TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPodRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone USB adapter recall announced

If you think that your iPhone's ultracompact USB power adapter is the coolest thing around, think again; Apple has announced an exchange program for the teensy wonders, as apparently they have a very infrequent habit of prong-snapping, leading to a risk of fire. Check to see if your adapter has a green dot like the one pictured here; if so it is already up-to-date and does not need replacement.You can get details on the exchange program from Apple's site or in the 2nd half of this post. Exchanges begin on October 10, both online and in person at Apple retail stores. Be careful out there.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Continue reading iPhone USB adapter recall announcedRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2-in-1 iPhone and iPod back up battery and charger available

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod Family, iPod Accessories, iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, iPhonei.Sound hates running out of battery on their iPods and iPhones, so they want to make sure you’re always charged and ready to go. For that reason, they have announced their new rechargeable 2-in-1 Charger & Back Up Battery. This device allows you to not only charge your iPod or iPhone, but also use it as a backup battery itself. The battery sports a 30 pin connector, so it will work with all newer iPods. Also, the battery itself can be recharged via your computer with its USB cable or via an outlet with its AC adapter. This product, which “...provides up to 30 hours of additional music, 6 hours of video or 3 hours of talk time,” will set you back $49.99. It comes in black with a charge status light, and is available to order now. If you have ever run out of power at an important time on the go, this may be the perfect product for you. Product [2-in-1 Charger & Back Up Battery] Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

iPhone 3G battery replacement services available

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, iPhone Milliamp LTD, a company that offers all sorts of iPod battery services, is ready to help you replace the battery in your iPhone, 1st gen or 3G. For only $20, Milliamp will swap out your old battery with a 1400 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, which they say “...is the same strength as...” as the stock battery. The battery offers 24 hours of music, 7 hours of video, 8 hours of talk, 6 hours of internet or 250 hours of standby. This $20 purchase comes with a ten year guarantee, and they won’t take hacked iPhones. Since the debut of the iPhone last year, the lack of a user replaceable battery has been one of the biggest complaints. The most likely reason for this is Apple’s obsession for a beautiful design. It is good to see a company has taken the time to figure out how to replace the battery in an efficient manner, as going through Apple’s services can be expensive at times. Have you ever used anything like this? Are the batteries just as good as the stock battery? Product [Battery Services] Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Review: Griffin PowerBlock Dual Universal AC Charger

For the last few years, Griffin Technology’s car and home iPod chargers have been some of the most popular accessories on the market; thanks to more favorable pricing, its PowerBlock series of home chargers have sometimes surpassed even Apple’s own USB chargers in sales. This year, Griffin has overhauled its entire lineup of car and home chargers, including two-charger combination packs, resulting in an array of options that may be a little…