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From: mark@hpcpbla.HP.COM (Mark Simms)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Subject: Re: HP 41 battery indicator?
Message-ID: <1070016@hpcpbla.HP.COM>
Date: 19 Sep 90 14:56:23 GMT
References: <36930@ut-emx>
Organization: HP Computer Peripherals Bristol, UK
Lines: 31

The problem with the low battery indicator on the HP-41 series
calculators is that it does not work well with NiCads.  These, by
their very nature, have a very stable voltage over most of their life
and then fail very quickly.  As such the low battery indication is
signaled with less useful life in the batteries than with alkaline
cells.  It is still better than nothing.  The most important thing is
that you can plug in the recharger and recharge the batteries whilst
the calculator is running and without removing the batteries.  This is
particularly important for Time Module users who don't want to reset
their clocks.

As for using alkaline cells, the NiCads are much cheaper in the long
run and do not waste raw materials.  They also cause considerably less
polution.  For users in the U.K. where N size cells are nearly
impossible to get hold of, NiCads are a must.

Mark Simms

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Opinions expressed are my own and are not intended to be an official
statement by Hewlett-Packard Company
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Name:         Mark Simms
Profession:   Software Engineer
Occupation:   Research and Development
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Computer Peripherals Division
Unix-mail:    mark%hpcpbla@hplb.hpl.hp.com
Address:      Filton Road, Bristol BS12 6QZ, United Kingdom
Phone:        +44-272-799910x22174
Fax:          +44-272-236091
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