Has anyone experienced a problem with the 8700c displaying a battery symbol with a red line through it on a 50% backlight (gray) screen while attempting to charge the device with the A/C charger? This is the same icon (presumably a "no battery installed" icon) displayed when you plug in the A/C charger with no battery installed in the device.

The device will not power up even with A.C charger disconnected - the same icon appears. I attempted removing the battery and replacing it with a charged battery, to no avail - getting the same icon.

Scenario: The battery was fully exhausted and the device shutdown. Connected the A/C charger and the icon appears. Changed the exhausted battery with another one 85% charged and got the same icon. Called Cingular, they had not idea. They replaced the device (under warranty). Upon returning the device, Cingular claims the device had water damage and charged my account $220 replacement fee. I disputed the charge and their claim of water damage and demanded they return to device to me so I may have the device independently tested for water damage. Cingular refused. I refused to pay the $220. Cingular removed the $220 charge. Three months later, the same problem occurs with the replacement unit. I am waiting to see what Cingular has to say about this device.

If you send it in again, check the sticker under the battery cover. If it's pink/red, that indicates the sticker has been exposed to moisture. If it's white it hasn't. There are several posts about owners' stickers turning red when they are sure the unit was never exposed to water, so I suggest removing the sticker or replacing it with a piece of white tape before sending it back to Cingular.

I am well aware of the pink/red sticker that was red on the first device when I returned. However, I have little faith in the sticker and believe it is totally worthless. After receiving the replacement device, the sticker appeared pink after two weeks and got progressively darker, and the device has not been exposed to excess moisture.

Nevertheless, I am much more interested in knowing the cause and meaning of the on-screen battery symbol with the red cross-through displayed and why the device will NOT power up.

Has anyone had such a problem after full depleting the battery and attempting to recharge the battery and power up the device?