Review: Mugen Extended Battery for the iPAQ 2200 Series

[bkbroil]

Ipaq HQ has posted a review of the Mugen Extended Battery for the iPAQ 2200 Series. If you are looking for a battery to last almost 9 hours for less than $50 than read this review.
Closing Words
Overall, I have found that the Mugen battery functions very well and to my expectations. With limited ways of charging the battery, the h2200 must be used in the charging process. Also, syncing via the cradle is not an option. However, this battery was designed for the traveler in mind so carrying a cradle on the go is most likely not to happen.
Pros:
Much cheaper than the HP extended battery.
Does not add as much bulk as the HP extended battery.
Designed for the person on the go.
Cons:
Cannot sync via cradle.
Limited in charging options

[Brad Isaac]

It's not too bad, but I'd imagine the weight, etc would be an issue. If someone is traveling every day as their main job, this might be good, but the occasional traveler i.e. ME! would probably be better off with one of those battery extender doo-hickies!
What are other people using these days to extend their battery life?

[sracer]

Sorry, but I gotta give this a big thumbs down.
First, that battery prevents the use of form-fitting cases like the aluminum Rhinoskin. Secondly, being only rechargeable simply "buys a little time" and doesn't really provide a "new" solution.
I prefer the external battery extender that I have that takes 4 AA batteries. When I'm stationary, like in a plane, I'll use the batt extender (keeping the battery fully charged)... then, when I need to use my device on-the-go... like in the terminal or in a shop, my iPAQ has a full charge.
If I need additional power, I can simply stop into any store and buy another set of AA batts. With this rechargable extended battery, once it is dead, it's dead... until it is recharged.

[Brad Isaac]

Yes, I liked the advice you gave to someone about using the extender cable on the plane/train or whatever and using the internal battery when you reach your destination.

[noolly]

Originally Posted by sracer

I prefer the external battery extender that I have that takes 4 AA batteries....... If I need additional power, I can simply stop into any store and buy another set of AA batts..

I don't like this idea sracer, buying AA batts is expensive and wasteful ....
A rechargable battery is much better option.

[sracer]

Originally Posted by noolly

I don't like this idea sracer, buying AA batts is expensive and wasteful ....
A rechargable battery is much better option.

Ummm, you know that you CAN use rechargeable AA batts in the external battery extender right? (make sure to find an extender that specifically supports rechargeables) By using such an extender you have the option of buying Alkaline batts if you run down your rechargeables... or you could have another set of 4 AA batts when the first set of 4 run dry.
Think about it!
The external battery adapter is far more versatile than using an extended rechargeable battery.

[Brad Isaac]

When I bought a digital camera over the past holiday season, Mrs. Isaac bought us a recharger and several packs of AA NiMH batteries. Before I knew it, we've got AA rechargables coming out the ears! I dunno which ones need charging, which ones are fully charged, hahaha... But before the trips we take I always put them all on the charger for a few hours.
This might be a good reason why I prefer the External AA charger.

[bkbroil]

Around christmas time I found one of my "hot deals" from Batteryspace.com where I got two Smart Chargers (they charge the batteries and turn off when they're fully charged) and a ton of AA, AAA, C, 9volt and D size batteries for $50...I've got a battery holder up on the wall that I keep full of charged batteries and we are never out of batteries..

[noolly]

Hey nice setup bkbroil!
Maybe you could put backpack straps on it and give it to sracer to use with his/her external battery extender!