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Reviewed by: Paul Edwards

FullCharge (TM) Rechargeable NiMH battery unit and AC Adapter for the Visor, the Visor Deluxe, and the Visor Platinum.

Installation:

Inserted in the battery compartment using the provided installation tool (thin, shaped plastic).

Features (as listed by manufacturer):

FullCharge NiMH battery may be recharged hundreds of times, so your Palm handheld computer is always charged and ready to go. The FullCharge battery cover replaces your original Visor battery cover* and is exactly the same except for two holes which allow the AC adapter charge cord to plug directly into the battery (without removing the battery!).

FullCharge AC Adapter plugs into any standard 110-volt outlet. The special 2-pin plug controls battery charging and indicates status with built in LED. The NiMH battery provides weeks of normal use on a complete charge.

FullCharge Auto Adapter works the same as the FullCharge AC Adapter except that it plugs into your cars cigarette outlet. You can purchase the auto adapter kit or you can add on the FullCharge auto adapter to your FullCharge ac adapter purchase.

Replacement battery cover* (clear cover) allows AC Adapter to charge battery while installed in your Visor handheld computer. The FullCharge battery can only be charged while installed in the Visor handheld computer. The battery is an extremely tight fit, frequent swapping of the battery is not recommended.

*Handspring recommends moving your Visor serial number sticker from your original battery cover to the battery cover that comes with FullCharge.

Additional Features:

If you don't like the transparent battery cover, you can send in your cover and they will drill holes in it for you!

Comments on Features:

This thing works BETTER than advertised! I think it even slightly increased overall system speed, but I could be wrong.

Use (ease of / problems with):

I had a slightly difficult time getting the battery in my Visor Solo, however, I feel this is mostly due to lack of experience... I really don't care because this should be the ONLY time I'll have to do it.

Bugs/Defects:

The paper (?) wrap around the batteries looks a little hokey, and I feel that in time the thin plastic strip sticking out the end of the adapter plug will tear off from being bent too much, however, neither of these are at all serious.

Additional Comments:

I believe this is one of, if not the, best investments I have made for my PDA. I suggest everyone with a PalmOS PDA using disposable power get this ASAP... It's better for the environment, and better for your wallet in the long run. If you travel (especially driving) with your PDA for extended periods of time (2 or more days) I suggest getting the package with both home and car adapters... If you can conceive a need for it, you ought to get it now as to avoid more cost later. Instead of moving my serial number to the back of the new battery cover, I put it in my Springboard slot. I heard that’s where the new units have theirs (Prism, Platinum), and it makes a lot more sense to me.

Likes:

Geek factor, Dependability, Endurance, Simplicity, Non-bulky / doesn’t alter form-factor, conversation piece.

Dislikes:

Battery cover is a slightly tighter fit, but it works fine.

Who should buy:

Anyone with a supported PalmOS PDA using disposable power

Who shouldn't:

Anyone else.

Cost:

$34.95 (AC or Auto Adapter, Battery, Battery Cover), $54.95 (Both Adapters, Battery, Battery Cover)

Rating:

5 Needles (out of 5)