Palm handheld modifications: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:47, 19 May 2006

Revision as of 17:03, 20 May 2006

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{{wikify-date|January 2006}}

''I am not very good at using wikipedia, but this is my suggested edit. I have slightly altered the first paragraph, re-done the 2nd, written the 4th, added to the 5th, added another link and changed the brighthand one as it no longer works. Suggestions please.<br>

I am suggesting this article be re-named to "Palm Handheld Modifications" as I think that with the [[overclocking]] / underclocking add, other features may be added too such as the addition of a microphone to the [[T5]]/[[TX]]. These are all fringe articles that do not really deserve their own pages, but together make a good article. This page should also be linked to the [[Palm Handheld]] page.'' Edited by --[[User:Silvarbullet1|silvarbullet1]] 00:59, 20 May 2006

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Several Handheld[[Palm (PDA)]] enthusiasts have successfully documented internal and external '''Handheld Battery modifications''' to allow longer charge times for their handheld device. QuicklyRapidly supersedingadvancing battery technology allows smaller and longer lasting batteries to be placed into the space of the original batteries. Modifications of this type can be technically challenging and will almost certainly void any manufacturer warranty and potentiallyhave couldthe potential to damage the modified device permanently.

==Popular Modifications==

==Clock speed reduction==

Many PDAs are not suitable for modification or do not require it; the newest devices include advanced high-capacity batteries, whilst some devices cannot be dismantled without permanent damage.

The Palm [[Tungsten T3]] comes with a built in 900mAh900[[Ampere-hour|mAh]] rechargeable [[Lithium Ionion Batterybattery]]. The [[Tungsten Handheld|T1]] and [[Tungsten Handheld|T2] also used a 900mAh battery, but because of the upgraded Palm Tungsten T3 processor the battery life is significantly reduced. The modest battery life is the largest criticism of the [[Tungsten T3]] compared to other Palm pilot models. One of the most popular handhelds of all time, the Palm [[Tungsten T3]] is a typical candidate for battery modification.

As the T3 is using a 400MHz processor, using the same 900mAH battery from T1 and T2 just doesn't cut it. The best way to extend the battery life of a T3 is to use clocking software like PXAclocker or Lightspeed. This can give us about 5-6 hours of runtime. However users who uses BT and WIFI extensively will find that even with '''underclocking''', the battery life is still rather short as wireless usage tends to use up more power.

The [[Tungsten T5]] however, includes a much newer battery and is therefore a much less likely candidate for replacement, at least not yet.

Much fuss has been made over the issue of the [[iPod|iPod's]] built-in li-ion battery and the fact that it is not designed to be [[IPod#Non-replaceable_batteries|replaceable]]. Some have similar concerns over their handhelds batteries and decide to try and remedy the problem themselves, just as was done on the iPod before apple started offering extended warranties: in fact, [[Apple Computer|Apple]] [[iPod]] replacement batteries have become somewhat of a favourite for use as external replacments/additions.

==Tungsten T3 Battery Modification==

The Palm [[Tungsten T3]] comes with a built in 900mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery. The T1 and T2 also used a 900mAh battery, but because of the upgraded Palm Tungsten T3 processor the battery life is significantly reduced. The modest battery life is the largest criticism of the [[Tungsten T3]] compared to other Palm pilot models.

Several people have successfully documented replacing the built in [[Li-ion]] battery with a higher capacity battery, increasing time the T3 can be used without charging.

===Replacing the internal battery===

A popular method discussed extensively on the brighthand.com and spug.net for modification have involved opening the case and removing the original 900mAh battery and replacing it with various higher capacity batteries.

Several people have successfully documented replacing the built in [[Li-Lithium ion]] battery]] with a higher capacity battery, increasing time the T3 can be used without charging.

The biggest problem when upgrading the T3 battery, is that there is limited space within the handheld shell for a larger battery. Hence, modification typically requires some crushing of the replacement battery to make it fit and/or irreversableirreversible modification to the internal components of the shell (for example the stylus holder). Another problem is that Lithium-Ion batteries require a regulator circuit to regulate battery charge preventing damage, and so replacement batteries either require to have a built in one or a grafted regulator circuit added.

===The battery replacement process===

Many guides have been written on the battery replacement process, including many users of popular PDA forums such as brighthand.com and spug.net . Many companies that supply PDA parts also provide their own guides for battery replacement; these are usually less radical and require little or no actual modification. Most guides include a clear disclaimer explaining the dangers involved and the definite loss of warranty from the vendor/manufacturer. Specific examples of step-by-step guides can be found below in the links section.

To be added

===External power modifications===

[[PalmOne]] released a Power2Go modification which allows the palm device to receive charge from an external battery pack. Many cheap alternatives are available from online electronics stores and auctions such as eBay. These devices usually supply power from four AA size batteries, allowing for more flexibility in storage capacity as exhausted batteries can be replaced as required.

Homemade devices with higher mAh power supplies have been made by some enthusiasts to increase the external charge.

Homemade devices with higher mAh power supplies have been made by some enthusiasts to increase the external charge. These can either plug directly into the [[Palm Universal Connector]] (on older handhelds), the [[Palm Multi-Connector]] or hard-wired directly into the devices power terminals on the [[motherboard]].

==Clock speed reduction==

As the T3 is using a 400MHz processor, using the same 900mAH battery from T1 and T2 just doesn't cut it. The best way to extend the battery life of a T3 is to use clocking software like PXAclocker or Lightspeed. This can give us about 5-6 hours of runtime. However users who uses BT and WIFI extensively will find that even with '''underclocking''', the battery life is still rather short as wireless usage tends to use up more power.

==See also==

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==External links==

===T3 Battery Replacement===

*http://www.pdainternalbattery.com/palm/tungsteninstall.htm

*http://discussionforum.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/showthread.php?s=&threadidt=63927221125

*http://www.spug.net/showthread.php?t=64040 - One method of T3 battery Replacement

*http://www.pspilot.de/ppptun3/ppptun3.html#T2a - Instructions how to open a palm T3