Batteries

THE COOLEST PHONE IS MERELY A USELESS APPENDAGE IF IT LOSES ITS POWER QUICKLY. Most phones offer at least two hours of talk time but you want all the battery life you can get. Though manufacturers' specifications aren't always entirely accurate, they're a good starting point for comparison. If a range is offered--two to three hours, for example--it's best to compare the lower numbers among different phones.

Battery Types

There are three standard mobile phone batteries:nickel cadmium (NiCad), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion (Li-Ion).

• NiCad- This is an older technology and has some technical problems. Memory effect, also known as ledges, can reduce the capacity of the battery if it is charged repeatedly without being fully
  
  discharged. Also, the battery must be disposed of properly, because it is an environmental hazard.
• NiMH- A newer technology which does not suffer from memory effects like the NiCad battery. It also holds a charge longer then the NiCad.
  
  
• Li-Ion- A long lasting and light battery that does not suffer from memory effects. It is, however, more expensive then the other battery types.