On Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:11:47 -0700, Andy wrote:

On Aug 5, 10:10Â*am, MarkHawke7 wrote:
I'm trying to get a direct answer from my contacts at SPOT

Mark,

Since you have contacts there I'd be interested to know why they changed
from 2xAA to 3xAAA cells. Was case size the only consideration, or
perhaps the increased voltage increases the uplink TX power? In any
event I'd far rather have the longer life of AA cells than a smaller
case size.

I suspect we're in the minority and Joe Hiker would far rather have small
and light than long battery life.

Hopefully the Mk 2 will provide the best of both worlds, which would be
either:
- add an external power socket while retaining the 3 x AAA internal
cells

- replace the AAA cells with a 1500 mAh LiPoly rechargable and
a mini-USB charging socket. Alkaline AAA cells are 1250 mAh.

All hiking-type Garmins have internal batteries with an external power
connector, so IMO its odd that Spot doesn't.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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