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From: akcs.azz710@hpcvbbs.UUCP (Jeffrey R. Broido)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Subject: Re: HP48 Power
Message-ID: <274f42a6:1201.1comp.sys.handhelds;1@hpcvbbs.UUCP>
Date: 25 Nov 90 04:40:07 GMT
References: <sbGKXSy00VpBA_0IwH@andrew.cmu.edu>
Lines: 13

Jon, I've been keeping statistics on battery life since I began using the
48SX last March.  My first couple of sets lasted no more than three
weeks.  My last set lasted several months.  I was using the beeper a lot
more at the start which might explain it.  Also, I've switched to Radio
Shack batteries (made by Eveready but to different specs, Tandy claims
better).  Despite this horribly uncontrolled test, I'd almost believe
that the 48 uses less power as it ages.  This seems hardly likely, but
it's a feeling I have.  How long does a set of yours last?  As for the
AC adapter idea, I've been toying with building a very ripple free AC
adapter which would supply 4.5VDC.  All one would need to do is fabricate
a dummy device shaped like three penlight batteries with contacts at
opposite corners (forget the contacts on the middle "battery").  Of
course, you'd be in trouble if you unplugged it for any length of time,
but it would (crudely) do the trick.  Jeff