Pirate's Cove

Apparently there has been a big too-doo about exploding mobile phone batteries as of late. I have written a few times that I will not write about anything to do with what I do, but, this is safe enough. The big part of the article to notice is this:

U.S. phone makers and carriers say most
fires and explosions are caused by counterfeit batteries and note that
in a country with some 170 million cell phone users, the number of
accidents is extremely low.

I’ve been in the business for over 10 years, and I can honestly say, with facts to support my position, that people should use original batteries, car chargers, home chargers, and anything else that plugs into the phone, even antennas. For one thing, non standard parts invalidate your warranty, and warranty claims will be denied. Second, the manufacturer does know best. I have seen melted displays, burnt out charging ports, melted circuit boards, and other damages caused by non original parts.

There are three types of accessories: OEM (original manufacturers), Type 2, and Type 3. Type 2 accessories are made to manufaturers spec’s, and will carry their own warrranty against damaging your phone. They are generally more expensive, running in the mid to high $20’s for a car charger, and in the high $30’s to high $40’s for a battery. Type 3 is the lower cost stuff, and much of the "cool" stuff, like light up antenna’s and batteries. This is often where people get into trouble.

It is not worth it to play around with a phone: what you paid for the phone (even if it was free), is at least $100 less then you will pay for a new one if it is non warranty trashed. You may lose all your phone #’s, ringtones, backgrounds, etc., as well. Need a battery? Go to the manufacturer’s website, a carriers direct store, or to a well known battery store. Same with most parts. Get the good stuff. There is so much stuffed into a mobile phone nowadays that it is much easier to damage.

Do you want your battery to last? Make sure that you get a phone with a lithium battery, or, if purchasing a battery, do the same. Charge it fully the first time on the home charger. Do NOT use a car charger the first time. First charging times vary, so, to be safe, let it charge 14 hours or so. Never more then 24 is a good rule. Take it off the phone every once in a while, especially if the phone acts funny. And, if you are not sure, go to a knowledgable store: the folks in there love to discuss their knowledge, and that is what they get paid for. Do not feel dumb or foolish about your question. The only dumb question is the one not asked.

On the lighter side, this is what I want. You listening, Mom and Dad? The Delphi XM MyFi is one of the must have’s for any tech person. The ability to take XM Satelite Radio with you is a fantastic idea, and it will work in the vehicle without an antenna. Having to run a line for an external antenna is what has kept moi from getting XM so far. Some of the user opinions refer to the fact that it doesn’t have MP3 capability. While that would be nice, people would be buying it for the XM ability. Can always take an MP3 player with you. If you are like me, your backpack/briefcase/handbag is a security checkpoint nightmare already. You are the person that is constantly asked "would you mind if we search the bag, Sir/Ma’am?" Like you actually have a choice.