Charge Time Ratio

Introduction

The Charge Time Ratio is a measurement of how independent the device is from its power supply. Unfortunately, owing to the large number of variables associated with a devices’ battery performance, these figures are indicitive only. If you have one of the PDAs mentioned in this document, your device usage profile may vary quite significantly from mine.

Calculation

There are several ways one can approach this, but in order to standardise it, I’m making the assumption that I’ll actively use that PDA for two hours in every twenty four hours. Where necessary, I’ll notify how I’m using the device.

The second assumption is that, for most devices, I’ll make the assumption that I’ll use the device from full until empty, and then recharge it from empty to full.

Results

The results are not really a surprise.

The Palm m515 is easily the most efficient of the models tested and the Orange SPV E200 the least efficient. I knew this before I started writing the article, although I was expecting the Palm IIIc to outperform the Palm m130 on account of the IIIc’s superb battery performance.

I will continue to update this table above using my experience of devices.

Conclusion

This little exercise has highlighted the benefit of a quick charging device. It is entirely logical, of course, and it makes perfect sense. I have to deliberately put the SPV on to the cradle or it’ll run low on power.