Ever since the day I purchased my XDA II, I have been relying on it more and more as a powerful work tool and a great entertainment centre.  My XDA II is used as a data collection tool for Asset tracking and management, a reference manual - all service manuals are stored on it, a communications centre with phone, fax and email being used frequently, and as an entertainment centre for listening to music or watching DVD's when staying overnight in Motel rooms.

This heavy use requires frequent charging periods, and often times is not very practical.  For example, when driving between remote locations, the XDA II would be charging with the 12V vehicle charger, but finding a safe spot to rest the XDA II while charging in a vehicle full of equipment isn't an easy task to achieve.  Most times, the glovebox would be left open, and the XDA II left sitting there while it charges.  This isn't always comfortable for the passenger.

I have never been in the uncomfortable position of watching my XDA II consume the last mAh out of the battery, but have definitely come close.  While the standard 1200mAh battery is sufficient to last between frequent charging, it is not always possible to charge when needed.

When I was approached by Fattafa (Uni-firm), manufacturer of Mugen Power, to review one of their 1800mAh batteries, I was pleasently surprised.  Fattafa dispatched the battery from Hong Kong, and it arrived here in Dubbo within a few days.  To my surprise, the 1800mAh battery was identical in size to the standard 1200mAh battery.  A very important point for me.

After the recommended initial charge period of 12 Hours, I was up and running with the new battery.  A few discharge / charge cycles later (helps calibrate the Pocket PC battery meter), I was ready to put this battery to the test. 

I have my XDA II overclocked using XCPUScalar, just like many of you, and have it set for 0 - 10% at 400MHz, 10 - 75% at 472MHz and the rest operating at 520MHz.

For this test, I used a benchmarking program from Spb Software house.  I thought it best to perform the same tasks, and have the results recorded for both the high capacity and standard batteries.

The first test was set for standard use and maximum back light.  This simulated the opening and closing of applications as one would normally do.  The second test simulated watching movies with maximum back light and volume.

Results:

On completion of the first test, the 1200mAh battery lasted 3 hours and 42 minutes while the 1800mAh battery lasted for 5 hours and 34 minutes.  This equates to an increase of nearly 50%.  The second test revealed a time of 2 hours and 48 minutes as compared to 3 hours and 37 minutes.  This is an increase of around 30% under higher current conditions.  Both tests were graphed to show the increased operating time and is pictured below.

These results matched my expectations, as the 1800mAh battery holds 50% more charge than the 1200mAh battery.  I performed the video playback test a second time, with a few changes.  I set the clock speed to stay on 400MHz, and played "The Incredibles" over and over until the capacity reached 1%.  The standard battery ran for 3 hours and 13 minutes while the high capacity battery ran for 4 hours and 23 minutes.  This is an increase of 38%, which is closer to the difference in capacity.

The only other factor to consider is the cost.  Is it cost effective to purchase the higher capacity battery over a replacement for the standard 1200mAh battery?

An internet search revealed the costs for both.  The standard battery can be purchased for $89AUD while the high capacity battery can be purchased through Lion Battery for $79USD.  Based on the current exchange rate, this is around $103AUD.  Knowing this, spending 15% more on the high capacity battery, gives you a battery that holds 50% more charge.  This is definitely cost effective.

Conclusions:

Armed with this new power source, my XDA II is performing all the same functions as before, but the recharge intervals are further apart.  No longer do I have to find a safe place to recharge my device in the vehicle, instead I can afford to wait until mains power is available, or until our lunch break where it can be charged by the vehicle without causing discomfort.  I am no longer monitoring my battery, and working around the charge cycles, as I now have ample power to do what I want and have plenty of power besides!  With the XDA II fully charged, I can confidently watch two DVD's, knowing the battery has enough power to last.

If you are shopping around for a replacement XDA II / IIi battery, or are looking to purchase greater capacity, then the Mugen Power 1800mAh battery is the Power Plant that is perfect for your device.  In my opinion, Mugen Power is the only choice regarding cost, size and performance.  Their batteries are manufactured to the highest quality, and are designed to last.  When purchasing a Mugen Power battery, not only are you receiving an excellent product, you also recieve a product you can rely upon.

I give Mugen Power 1800mAh battery a perfect 10/10