It's cheaper to manufacture, and with fewer support issues. This means either lower cost to consumers (Amazon), or higher profits for the device maker (e.g. Apple). In my experience, the device loses its allure long before the battery dies.
The only exception was my iPod Touch, which effectively died after about 4 years (it would only go for about half original time-between-charges). I got a new battery put in for about $50, and it still works, though I'm not using it much these days.
|