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wibbly Frequent Visitor
Joined: Dec 20, 2003 Posts: 315
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:18 am Post subject: Has battery performance improved? |
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I'm considering buying a device as a present. I have a ONE V2 as a reference point. One thing I *don't* like about it is how it self discharges its battery in about a week of non-use (I know it's possible to "reset/power off" the device but then the clock stops). Also the battery life in use is very short (designed only for setting up destinations before you go really).
So, if I get a current generation device (say one of the ONE series, maybe or an XL series), have they improved in these two respects? It's one area when Garmin claim a better spec at least for runnig time ('up to 5hrs battry life') |
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:24 am Post subject: |
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A lot of manufacturers claim elongated battery durations, if you look at a TomTom One XL v9 (this is the new one with the easy port mount) I would expect to see around 2 to 2,5 hours from a full charge when not connected to the vehicle supply. This is the typical endurance I have seen when trying it without car power.
All car based devices are supplied with a car charger lead and it is intended that the device should be powered while in use, you can also power the device from a USB port on your PC, just remember to answer No to the question about connecting to the PC. I have no idea what the battery durations are for the Garmin products, perhaps asking a similar question in the Garmin area will give a better idea from actual users of the hardware - Mike |
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wibbly Frequent Visitor
Joined: Dec 20, 2003 Posts: 315
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:25 am Post subject: |
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What about self discharge? Do the newer devices go flat in week on their own? |
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:39 am Post subject: |
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I never leave a device that long between use, although some of the units have had a tendency to automatically power up of their own accord which does lead to a flat battery. My One Third Edition (v7) does this from time to time, you don't notice it unless you have the device sat in front of you when it suddenly fires up, so perhaps this is what your device is doing? - Mike |
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Antoeknee Lifetime Member
Joined: Jul 29, 2005 Posts: 267
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'm still using a TT500 which does whats necessary i.e. gets me from A to B. Like others I'm not interested in MP3 player and other 'added' features.
The battery life is still really good I usually get 4+ hours. |
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Calomax Lifetime Member
Joined: Sep 30, 2005 Posts: 988 Location: St Martin's, Guernsey
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject: |
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Wibbly wrote Quote: | What about self discharge? Do the newer devices go flat in week on their own? |
Living in Guernsey, I only use the device for 3 or 4 weeks in a year. Bit I still keep it permanently in its cradle so it charges every time the computer is on.
I think I saw a post once that oit damages the battery to let it run down the recharge it regularly. _________________ TT Go Essential |
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Tom59 Lifetime Member
Joined: Aug 05, 2006 Posts: 407 Location: Alconbury - UK
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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I believe that it actually does a battery good to be discharged fully, then recharged now and again. Unless anyone knows different................... _________________ TT Go 720 (T)
Firmware 9.430. Map: Western Europe V 875.3613
TT iPhone app
V 1.23 Map: Western and Central Europe 2 GB V 965.7286
TT iOS Go Mobile
V 1.1 Map: Western Europe 965.7248 |
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Anita Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Mar 15, 2006 Posts: 3219 Location: Windlesham, Surrey
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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Tom59 wrote: | I believe that it actually does a battery good to be discharged fully, then recharged now and again. Unless anyone knows different................... |
I believe that what Oldboy said on 13 August is true of the battery in TomTom devices:
Oldboy wrote: | The modern Li-Pol batteries like to be kept with a charge. It is detrimental to let them go flat too many times. |
_________________ Anita
TomTom VIA 135 - App 12.075
UK map 1130.12368
Samsung Galaxy S21 |
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technik Lifetime Member
Joined: Mar 18, 2004 Posts: 789 Location: Midlands UK
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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Tom59 wrote: | I believe that it actually does a battery good to be discharged fully, then recharged now and again. Unless anyone knows different................... |
That wouyld actually destroy a modern lithium Ion battery.
Lithium batteries should be topped up regularly and not be allowed to discharge completely.
It was only the old Nicads that had to be discharged completely before re-charging. |
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