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Old 03-13-2009, 06:09 AM   #1
emellaich
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Posts: 1,101
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Device: Palm>Ebookman>IPaq>Axim>Cybook>Kndl2>IPAD>Kndl3SO>Voyager>Oasis
K2 and Battery Life Issue

I had some instances where my battery life was alarmingly short -- less than a day. This was sufficient that I had contacted Amazon about a return, but they never answered my email .

Anyway, after some initial problems, everything seemed to be working better, and then it happened again. That is when I realized that it was occurring on days when I was leaving my K2 connected to my laptop in order to re-organzie my library. Now, I think I have figured out the problem and I thought I would pass it on for any of you with similar circumstances.

I had assumed that leaving it plugged in to a computer USB was actually charging the unit -- as stated somewhere in the documentation AFAIK. However, I remember reading somewhere on the net about the fact that some laptop USB ports do not have sufficient power to drive some peripherals. Furthermore, I note that my K2 claims that I can read it while it is connected to my laptop if I "dismount' the unit. However, when I dismount it, it never switches over to reading mode. I assumed this was a minor software but, but now I believe it may be due to a power problem.

The power symptoms I observe would be consistent with a situation where, instead of charging while connected to the laptop, the K2 was discharging. I believe that it is using power to remain connected the entire time I keep it plugged into my laptop. I don't have time know, but I can experiment next week to see how it behaves while connected to my desktop instead of my laptop.

At this point in time I am almost positive the problem is due to connection it to my computer USB. However, I am only guesing that it is due to an underpowered USB port on my laptop -- it may be something that occurs with any computer USB. I have had no problems with charging the K2 from a normal outlet.

Have any of you had similar experiences?

Michael
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