Battery and Backup - Motorola Q Forum

dawiese · 11-27-2006, 11:01 AM

After the first week of Q ownership I decided to let the standard battery run down and install the extended life battery (that I bought at reduced price

). But, I noticed the extended life battery didn't last much longer then the standard. So, I'm going to perform a hard reset to see if that will trick the Q into thinking it has the new battery.

Before I do, I would like to back up a few items I've aquired over the last 3 weeks. But ActiveSync 4.2 has no backup utility.

So, My question is two fold (actually 1 fold, because...). Anyway, I have two questions...

First, is my thinking correct that a reset with trick the Q?
And second, how would I go about backing up the Q (or is it even necessary)?

Dave

Canis85 · 11-27-2006, 06:53 PM

I don't know about your resetting trick, but I'd like to know about it too because I was considering the extended life battery.

As far as backing up your Q, I've removed my battery before. You just need to make sure all your work is saved, and it would be a good idea to run the task manager and kill all your processes before you remove the battery. (Or just turn off the phone first... a good idea in any case). I didn't lose anything (files are stored on flash memory I believe).

troutseth · 11-27-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canis85

I don't know about your resetting trick, but I'd like to know about it too because I was considering the extended life battery.

As far as backing up your Q, I've removed my battery before. You just need to make sure all your work is saved, and it would be a good idea to run the task manager and kill all your processes before you remove the battery. (Or just turn off the phone first... a good idea in any case). I didn't lose anything (files are stored on flash memory I believe).

All of your personal data should be on your laptop after syncing. As for configurations, mods, thirdparty software; there may be a thirdparty backup utility that will help (not sure). I generally don't worry about anything other than my data. I keep all the software installs on my laptop and a list of mods I have made so if I have to re-image the Q I can do it from scratch.

As for the battery, I am not sure what the issue is. My extended battery lasts about twice as long as the standard. With light data use I have gone 3-4 days without charging it. I would try to recharge it when the phone is turned off and see if that helps. Otherwise I might return the battery for a new one.

You may also want to check your task manager as stated above. A lot of the native software products don't have an "end" function and they may be eating up battery.

dawiese · 11-27-2006, 08:17 PM

Where does ActiveSync store the data on the PC? I searched for it and couldn't find it. Are you saying I should just trust ActiveSync

and do the Reset? Then let ActiveSync do an auto Restore?

troutseth · 11-27-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawiese

Where does ActiveSync store the data on the PC? I searched for it and couldn't find it. Are you saying I should just trust ActiveSync

and do the Reset? Then let ActiveSync do an auto Restore?

You will never hear me say "just trust" anything from MS. It all depends on what you are trying to sync . . . contacts and calendar items should be in your desktop outlook so you should be able to verify right away. If you have some multimedia and other data files, I might browse to them through activesync and copy them over to my desktop to be safe. That way you can see everything on your computer. As I said, beyond that other stuff will be wiped clean if you do a hard reset.

sezzy · 11-27-2006, 09:49 PM

I would suggest you use a 3rd party app like Sprite Back up unless you want to reinstall everything if you do a master reset.

dawiese · 11-28-2006, 08:33 AM

The only software installed after purchase is mNotes because my company standardized on Lotus Notes. I'd need I.S. to run the install again if I do a hard reset. It's beginning to look like more of a hassle and may not be worth the trouble. I read a post over at QUSERS where a newbie like me mentioned getting better battery life after the wow and learning curve. I also turned off the IR receive option among other things gathered from the various Q forum.

I think one real benefit for me is I have not run the Wireless Sync yet. I have no e-mail that will effectively sync via wireless and I don't plan to ever use the data option after the first month in the plan. (Although news, weather, and sports on-the-fly will be missed.) I've also moved some of the enticing apps (like Downloads, IE, Pocket MSN, and Wireless Sync) to a new Start Menu folder so they’re out of sight.

I am seeing a bit more life in the last couple of days on the extended battery. I'm sort of a minimalist when it comes to PC’s and PDA’s, so hopefully that will work in my favor.

Thanks for your responses.

Dave

TimGinCentralNJ · 12-14-2006, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawiese

The only software installed after purchase is mNotes because my company standardized on Lotus Notes. I'd need I.S. to run the install again if I do a hard reset. It's beginning to look like more of a hassle and may not be worth the trouble. I read a post over at QUSERS where a newbie like me mentioned getting better battery life after the wow and learning curve. I also turned off the IR receive option among other things gathered from the various Q forum.

I think one real benefit for me is I have not run the Wireless Sync yet. I have no e-mail that will effectively sync via wireless and I don't plan to ever use the data option after the first month in the plan. (Although news, weather, and sports on-the-fly will be missed.) I've also moved some of the enticing apps (like Downloads, IE, Pocket MSN, and Wireless Sync) to a new Start Menu folder so they’re out of sight.

I am seeing a bit more life in the last couple of days on the extended battery. I'm sort of a minimalist when it comes to PC’s and PDA’s, so hopefully that will work in my favor.

Thanks for your responses.

Dave

Hi Dave-

I'm brand new to the forum, and am receiving my Q tomorrow. Since my company isn't providing me with the device or the service (and I'm too cheap to pay for VZW's ridiculously expensive Data plans), I won't be able to use the wireless sync functionality. For that reason, I was planning on only synching my Notes Calendar (via my Local Replica) and Address Book via the USB cable.

I had a question about why you chose mNotes over some of the other 3rd-party sync tools, such as XTNDConnect PC from iAnywhere for example.

Just curious - thanks in advance for your time.

Cheers,
Tim G.

dawiese · 12-20-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimGinCentralNJ

Hi Dave-

I'm brand new to the forum, and am receiving my Q tomorrow. Since my company isn't providing me with the device or the service (and I'm too cheap to pay for VZW's ridiculously expensive Data plans), I won't be able to use the wireless sync functionality. For that reason, I was planning on only synching my Notes Calendar (via my Local Replica) and Address Book via the USB cable.

I had a question about why you chose mNotes over some of the other 3rd-party sync tools, such as XTNDConnect PC from iAnywhere for example.

Just curious - thanks in advance for your time.

Cheers,
Tim G.

I didn't have a choice. My company purchaced hundreds of licences for it's employees use.

inf3st · 12-21-2006, 03:35 PM

Just an FYI batteries have to broken in. Just like a new pair of shoes.