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Comment by ghshephard | Hacker News Reader

Well, lots of people complained about the lack of an SD card - and indeed, one of the differentiators that people look to google for are things like replaceable batteries, USB connectivity, and SD card expandability.

Those people who are content to live in a walled off protected garden, might be well served in the Apple world. Those people who want to root their boxes, add USB accessories, and swap out SD cards previously could go the Google route.

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I swap my batteries (and always have a spare which doubles my battery time - with my phone I have three), on my laptop, on my phone, and if I had one, on my tablet.

I'll never buy Apple until they have replaceable batteries. I know several people like me, and there are probably a lot out there just like me. I don't know why Apple people think "why not get an IPad" if price is comparable. I'd pay a bit extra for the same specs just for the battery being swappable.

So you always carry two extra batteries around? That must be fun. What model phone do you have that you need 3 batteries to get through the day? Wouldn't it be easier just to carry around a charger?

My buddy has a TMobile MyTouch phone (forget which one) and he goes through three batteries per day. My Samsung Admire lasts a day and a half on one battery with similar usage.

The difference is his MyTouch is "thin and sexy" and mine has a battery bulge and a tick smaller screen. Small battery + large power hungry screen = angry user base. He hates it but he's pretty loyal to TMobile. I suggested getting another Android phone but he's rather soured by the experience and plans on getting a WinPhone or iPhone (if they get them) when his contract is up.

That's just insane, and I can't think that's a typical usage scenario. Going through three batteries a day (assuming he charges it while he sleeps) means he's getting less than six hours per battery.

And I don't understand the loyalty to a carrier that sells phones with such poor performance. Where does his loyalty come from, a crush on the cute girl in the T-Mobile ads?

>I'll never buy Apple until they have replaceable batteries.

Then you'll never buy Apple.

Non-replaceable battery means a much better device. Going back to replaceable batteries would be a huge step backwards. Replaceable batteries on portable devices are going away. Sorry to break the new to you.

I disagree. Non replaceable batteries are a step back. Guess it depends on your outlook. I like to work with things. Some electronics, some carpentry, some mechanic work on my cars. Anything that restricts that freedom is a step backwards. Anytime you are at the whim of a tyrannical company, you are limiting yourself.

All IMO, I get that, but this is why I disagree.

Why? I have a pretty new Galaxy Nexus and I can replace the battery just fine.

Phones are different from tablets/laptops in terms of battery use case, of course. An iPhone's internal battery can quickly charge to 75% in your pocket (60 minutes) from a spare battery, and then be good to go for another 12-18 hours.

A Single Extra Hyperjuice Battery in your pocket will let you go 7-10 days with an iPhone without having to recharge from a wall socket.

The problem with the iPad is that it's battery is so high-capacity - that you can't do the same kind of trivial charge in your pocket trick. Also - the batteries take about 5 hours to get up to a 75% charge.

So - the battery problem has been mostly solved for iPhones (just recharge them from a hyper juice or like spare battery) but iPads have yet to come out with the same convenient solution.

Hmm, 100 bucks though, still kinda high priced. I can get two batteries with a wall charger for 20 bucks on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/1900mAh-Batteries-GT-I9100-Anker-Multi...

A weekend charge and I'm often good for the whole workweek.

Which is better, two 20WHr batteries or one 40WHr battery?

Two twenties, because after a few months, I have two 15s and you have a twenty. Batteries never seem to fully charge like the used to.

My wife has a iPhone (the 4s or something) and still has to charge hers more than I do (Samsung Galaxy II). Not a whole lot different, but instead of her being tied to the outlet, I can pull my battery out, put in the new one and keep going.

That kind of convenience is worth everything to me. Also 200 dollars to replace a battery that lasts a year is still a lot less than I spend. I spend 20 bucks for two spare batteries on Amazon. I don't go through 20 batteries a year, that's for sure.

By the time a [nondefective] battery needs replacing in an iPhone, your warranty is up anyways. They're not user-replaceable under warranty but they're not especially difficult to replace either, and only cost about $30 from an OEM parts supplier.

Apple batteries last much longer than a year. My first iPhone was 3G model and after changing hands three times and three and a half years later it still goes strong. Also you are never tied to the outlet with iPhone — battery easily lasts a day even under heavily usage, so you can just plug it in for the night. And for most people convenience is not to have to carry spare batteries. I never so a person who did that — it is extremely rare preference. Apple is done with replaceable batteries, expect others go the same way.

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