iPaq 3850 batery life and CF pack plus

[bsteff]

I have seen advertised a pack for the iPaq that has a slot for a CF card and for a battery. I see that there can be a "slim" battery and an "extended" battery. The ad seems to suggest that extra batteries can be purhcased as well as a charger for either type of battery. Can either battery be used in the "Plus" pack or are different packs required for the different size batteries? What is the extension in battery life for the two sizes compared to the internal battery in the 3850?

[b4lunar]

The CF Pack Plus can indipendently take on both battery sizes you mention. You can even use it without one on it. The batteries clip on (and off) the pack so you can carry more than one with you in case the first drains. I think that the charger is for both battery types if you want them to charge when they are not on the pack, but in any case you can charge the extended together with the normal/internal battery when you place your ipaq on the cradle. Bare in mind that from my experience most third party travel chargers do not provide the required energy to the charge extended battery. They charge mainly the internal one. So stick with a compaq original. Also in my experience the slim extended battery gives from 1/2 to 2/3 of extra time (compared to the time the main battery gives) depending on use. Also take notice that the iPAQ first drains the external battery and then starts using the internal one.

Hope this helps

[Nitestrike]

Here is a document from HP on battery power with and without the new sleaves. It toward's the back with charts on battery power consumption with the different sleaves. Besides battery life info it also has details on how to keep you battery in good condition and power saving settings.

PAQ H3800 & H3900 Series Pocket PC Battery White Paper (http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/reference_library/viewdocument.asp?countrycode=1000&prodid=2183|iPAQ+H3800+Series+Pocket+PC&source=308402-001.xml&dt=21&docid=11364)

Nitestrike