Quote:
Originally Posted by Solitaire1
That's always been an issue for me when it comes to non-user-replaceable batteries: Why can't devices be designed to use already-existing standard batteries? I would gladly take a larger device (and would actually welcome it since many devices are too small to fit comfortably in my hand) if it used two/four rechargeable AA/AAA batteries that you can buy for around $20(US) and last about 2 years of regular use. The batteries wear out and the user: Removes four screws from the back, removes the cover, replaces the batteries, replaces the cover, screws it back in place, initial charges it, and then continues to use the device for a few more years (ditto with the flash memory since my understanding is that flash memory eventually wears out too).
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My guess: Cost.
Simple as it may seem, the mechanism you describe is a lot more complex than "soldier two contacts, squirt a blob of glue, drop in battery, close case".
The screws may cost next to nothing. But people will buy it even so - in great quantities.
Lets say the whole battery compartment costs 20 cent per device (material, additional build time, additional equipment, storage of additional parts).
Not much in itself, but multiply it with the number of devices sold.
Now imagine you're a manager that can offer the higher ups a way to cut production cost by that amount.
That the device will be thrown away sooner rather than later is just the icing, if you ask me.
No need to conjour up the romantic image of a mustache twirling badguy.