do it yourself internal battery replacement

ny152 · 02-08-04, 05:32 AM

Alas... the internal battery on my ipaq 3835 seems to have bitten the dust... won't take a charge from any of my chargers. Unit is just over a year old. (Don't suggest sending it to Compaq to repair, that's not an option... I live outside the continental US and have been that route with Compaq before, they don't recognize me!) The unit functions... I did a hard reset hoping to solve the problem and did a full data restore so it's not the serial port, it's the blinking battery.

Has anyone here replaced the internal battery themselves? I see there are battery kits available from online merchants and I've read the instructions... how difficult can it be???

I think someone here sent their unit off to have a battery replaced with good results, but I don't have time to send it away, I'm getting ready to travel and need my Ipaq. Why do I feel I've lost my right arm???

JmE · 02-08-04, 07:34 AM

"iPAQ 38/3900 Do-It-Yourself Kits"

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/i3800diykit.asp

-JmE-

EDIT: Sorry, I mis-read your post. i thought you were looking for self repair kits...

xboxlord · 02-08-04, 07:41 AM

For $179 you can get www.pocketpctechs.com to replace your battery and get the 128MB RAM upgrade. That is a great deal considering their normal RAM upgrade is usually $109 by itself.

If you just want the battery, it is $100 with installation.

Instead of upgrading your iPAQ with a new battery or with RAM, I suggest selling your iPAQ on eBay and upgrading to the 5400 series. You could probably sell yours for upwards of $200 depending on what accessories you have, and can buy a refurbished iPAQ h5455 for about $300. I think that is a greta deal fo all you get.

Let us know what you decide and if you think you made the right decision.

ny152 · 02-08-04, 11:08 AM

Thanks for all the posts and links! I've ordered a battery kit, and will go the DIY route. Will let you all know how it turns out! I really do like my 3835 and have accessories for it... so I'm not ready to upgrade to a new model at this point. But when I do, it'll be one with easily replaceable batteries!

For now, I've hauled out my old Casio BE-300... after not having used it for over a year, it charged immediately and works just fine.

xboxlord · 02-08-04, 12:27 PM

Glad to know we could help. Just to clear up any loose ends regarding accessories:

Any accessories (except some cases and some other peripherals) that work onthe 3835 will work on any other iPAQ "sleevable" model (such as the 5455). Just making sure everyone knew that.

ny152 · 02-09-04, 07:54 PM

Here's the update. My Ipaq was stolen today, together with all the accessories (GPS, digital camera etc.). Ditto my Casio BE-300.

Irony... the Ipaq battery I ordered was shipped today. But I'll get a full refund when I return it, less $10.00 for shipping. If you're in the market for a new Ipaq replacement battery, check out http://www.mkgsoft.com Their prices are right and service is SUBERB. When I called to tell them I didn't need the battery, they were very nice - even tho it had already shipped - and emailed me an RA immediately. They were already giving me a refund for excess shipping charges. Good folks.

Here's the question: since I'm now in the market for a new Ipaq, which one???

Do you all know how much I hate the thought of having to reinstall all that software??? Argh.

xboxlord · 02-09-04, 07:58 PM

I highly recommend getting a used h5455 from eBay! I got mine for $330 with a full one-year warranty and a nice leather case from the user genejul. Be sure to check it out. The user seek also bought a 5455 and is awaiting it to ship!

ny152 · 02-09-04, 08:11 PM

Thanks, Xboxlord... I'll check out the 5455!

whitelyt · 02-09-04, 09:45 PM

Hmm, if I was in the market for a new PPC it would sure be hard to keep my eyes off of the 4155. It's like love at first contact when you hold one!

JmE · 02-10-04, 12:59 AM

Ditto on the 4155.

Also, we picked up some sweet refurbed 2215s a week or so ago from Hp for about $287...

-JmE-

ny152 · 02-10-04, 04:39 AM

Thanks everyone! You've given me a lot to think about... oh, I miss my Ipaq! I'll check out the HP site and see what's up. Keep those suggestions coming!

tomtrauma · 02-10-04, 06:32 AM

I picked up my 2215 from Ipaq refurbished and love it. I enjoy the CF and SD card slots. Good luck

ny152 · 02-10-04, 10:13 AM

Tomtrauma.... I'm looking at a 2215 now and am really leaning in that direction. Tell me what you like best about it.

I really don't care about bluetooth or wifi (I have no current use for them), but having the dual slots is a big selling factor, also the removable/replaceable battery (which is what started this thread in the first place). I had both SD and CF slots on my 3835 (yes, I bought the CF expansion pack for the 3835) and found I needed/wanted both.

Anyone else got any comments about the 2215???

whitelyt · 02-10-04, 10:32 AM

You can't go wrong with the 2215. I would suggest looking at the 2215 Review on this site by going to Resources Tab -> Reviews. The 2215 Review is pretty good and it will tell you all of the tidbits of the wonderful device. It is certainly a good buy.

The only reason why I don't have a 4155 is that I got my 2215 before the 4155 came out. Also I like the dual slots on the 2215.

xboxlord · 02-10-04, 10:54 AM

I agree the 2215 and 4150 are both great units. It all depends on what you want. I personally wanted wireless internet and great expandibility so I chose the 5455 for built in WiFi and the ability to use the expansion sleeves. 4155 has the same ability, but no way to use the sleeves. To each their own.

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