[pshute]

I beleive that there were high capacity batteries available for previous models like the 9000. They were thicker than the standard one, so they came with a replacement back with a hump in it so it could fit.

I've seen no discussion of these for the 9800. Are they available? Anyone tried one?

I googled them and found what appears to be one (http://www.master-instruments.com.au...00.EX-BP1.html). It also mentions an "encoder". What's that for?

Is that cover shown beside the encoder the replacement cover, or a cover for the encoder?

[DallasFlier]

The question has been asked before. Essentially, yes they exist for the Torch, but not from any of the top-tier vendors with long-term reputations and support track records. You can find them on eBay too - no name, no support generics. As for an "encoder" I have no idea.

[rambo47]

If/when they come out, check seidioonline.com for them. Seidio is a leader in BlackBerry replacement kit.

[pshute]

Originally Posted by DallasFlier

The question has been asked before. Essentially, yes they exist for the Torch, but not from any of the top-tier vendors with long-term reputations and support track records. You can find them on eBay too - no name, no support generics. As for an "encoder" I have no idea.

Thanks, I searched but couldn't find any previous discussion. It sounds like it would be better to avoid these for a while at least.

The instructions for "encoding" the battery imply that there's some kind of code in a standard battery that must be transferred to the new battery before the pone will recognise it. It might be something to indicate whether the battery is genuine or not, or maybe just to indicate the charge level.

If it's the former then perhaps no "top-tier vendors" will ever sell them.

I just had another search for a previous discussion, but can't find it. Must be hidden in another topic.

[darkmanCANADA]

Originally Posted by rambo47

If/when they come out, check seidioonline.com for them. Seidio is a leader in BlackBerry replacement kit.

Yes this is the place to get proven hi-cap batteries. I just received a new one for my Storm2 on Monday. I think their quality is the best. Unfortunately they don't have one for the Torch yet.

[given2fly]

there are a million of them...just do an amazon search. there's even one that's like 3900 lol, but ur phone will look and feel like a brick.

[pshute]

Originally Posted by given2fly

there are a million of them...just do an amazon search. there's even one that's like 3900 lol, but ur phone will look and feel like a brick.

I did see a few, but I'm wary of anything like this that others haven't tried, particularly with this encoder thing that seems to be necessary.

Have you tried one? I'm wondering if an external battery would be more practical, as we could leave them in the car and only carry them when needed.

What I'm trying to do is avoid the need for everyone here to plug their phone in at every opportunity in order to get through the day.

[DallasFlier]

Originally Posted by pshute

What I'm trying to do is avoid the need for everyone here to plug their phone in at every opportunity in order to get through the day.

Hmm, but that need you're trying to avoid "for everyone here" doesn't exist for most of us.

I use my Torch pretty heavily, between phone, email, text messages, a few other apps and sometimes 18 holes of golf with a GPS course mapping app. Only when I do the latter (with its heavy usage of both screen and GPS) do I sometimes need to charge to get through the day. 90% of the time, slipping it into the cradle as I get into bed is all the charging I ever have to worry about.

Interestingly, my Torch if fully charged, can do that 18 holes of golf and have 50-60% battery at the end of the round. My friend's nifty Droid with the beautiful screen runs the battery all the way down after only 9 holes - with the identical golf app.

[Dubdub]

Keep it topped up when you can - at your desk, in the car, at home. You can damage a lithium battery by letting it get below 20% too many times. these batteries actually perform better when kept fully charged.