EU directive aims to make all batteries removable, even THAT battery
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 7th 2008 1:01PM
posted October 7th 2008 1:01PM
The European Union already initiated a Battery Directive in 2006 that aimed to make it easier to dispose of and recycle old batteries, but it looks like it's now taking things one big step further with its "New Battery Directive," which proposes that batteries in all electronic devices should be able to be "readily removed" for replacement or disposal. New Electronics' Gary Nevison further adds that "the requirement is clearly intended to ensure that users can remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or two screws," which would obviously pose a bit of a problem for the iPhone, not to mention every iPod and even a few non-Apple devices. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time that Apple has tangled with the EU, and we have a sneaking suspicion that it won't be the last.
you sure it wasnt instructions for battery disposal?
http://www.sonicare.com/owners/elite_manual/manual_recycling.asp
"The battery inside your Sonicare cannot be replaced, but is easily removed for recycling."
This is fantastic news, I just hope that this goes through and they don't cave to preasure from apple etc. It should be possible for anyone to change a battery without any technical knowledge.
This is such a stupid law if it is correct. The article states "in all electronic devices". Does that mean TVs, DVD Players, etc etc. Almost all devises that run on electricty nowadays have some sort of battery in it. I so want to have a TV that is easy to disasembly to get out the battery :)
It's probably restricted to devices which rely on battery power for their main operation - mobile devices, watches, torches...etc
Even if the law doesn't explicitly state that, it's the most probable interpretation as any Judge would see it. Remember, the law doesn't go by technicalities, despite what Hollywood would have you believe. Judges can overrule pretty much anything (that's why they're there - to make sure people aren't stupid on technicalities. Doesn't help if you have a stupid Judge, though).
This news aside, how many times do we really need to replace batteries? The lifecycle of most gadgets these days is ~ 2 years. Laptops get obsolete, networks make 2.5g phones obsolete, mp3 players develop bunch of other problems before the battery gives up. I don't know about sonic toothbrushes, but you get the idea...
I still happily use a black and white 4G iPod in my daily life, it spits out music through the headphone jack every bit as competently as a brand new iPod Touch. I did have to replace the battery, though, and let me tell you Apple definitely went out of their way to make that as difficult as possible for me.
Certainly people won't want to use point-designed devices for a single task for longer than two years ... that's ... THAT'S ANTICAPITALIST!
The ONLY reason I upgraded from my (battery removable) Zen Xtra was because I thought I would play video more than I have - now in the hands of its second owner, it is still working beautifully after 5 years, despite the abuse doled to it in the arenas of school trips. I imagine there are many such devices for many people with the same endstate - if it ain't broke, why fix it?
Music players just happen to be a particularly applicable example, as the basic functionality of such a device hasn't changed much (unless you want video) in years - it's gotten bigger and RockBox has been ported around, but that's about it.
Thats new law in china, where most electronics are made. Manufacturers are required to use MicroUSB, like the new Palm Treo Pro.
"this wouldn't be the first time that Apple has tangled with the EU"
Maybe you should rephrase that as "...the EU has tangled with Apple." I think nowadays Apple is the Goliath in that relationship.
your senseless comment shows you have no idea how the real world actually works.
corporation (albeit a large one) vs. a coalition of countries that have successfully standardized the currency, changed environmental regulations, etc, the list goes on and on. We're talking about not one country's government, but rather a coalition of almost every major country in Europe.
Last time I checked, Apple didn't make any damn laws while I was there.
And even as a company Apple isn't exactly huge. I mean even Nokia is in a different league when it comes to size and pretty much of all that comes only from phones.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
That was an attempt at satire; clearly it was too subtle.
I have been to Europe too, and I am well aware of the significance of the EU.
Portable devices like the iPhoner/iPod/Zune should have end user replaceable batteries. Aren't these thing supposed to be about convenience in the first place? It's absurd that you can't replace the batteries youself.
It's about time. It's so annoying to have to go into the hospital to replace the battery on my pacemaker.
I think you need to specify which iPod you're talking about. I've replaced the battery in my 4G iPod myself. Plenty of vendors sell replacement kits that allow even the most mechanically challenged end user to do this. Now if you want limit this to the iPod shuffle and the iPod Touch you'd have no complaints...
who? @ Oct 7th 2008 5:53PM
Apple offers a battery replacement for $49 (iPod shuffle), $59 (iPod nano and classic), $79 (iPod touch) plus $6.95 shipping- http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
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Like Vidikron said, it's pretty much laughable that you can't replace and/or swap out the batteries yourself. To have to ship back your device, pay shipping to the corporation that designed your device for disposal, then get swindled on the cost of replacement battery, and to top it all off, be without your device for a few days is truly *high-tech* laughable. Yes we *can* replace them ourselves with surgery and the proper tools, but seriously, how many Joes are going to do that. And that still means bringing a spare battery with you for long trips outwards is impractical without an external battery appendage sticking out of your device.
I don't mean just Apple. All these manufacturers designing products without easy battery replacement. Almost every non-phone audio device. Video cameras, nearly all phones, digital cameras... they all come with that flexibility. It's shameful that most audio devices do not.
I'd rather have a universal charger for all my electronic devices such as a standard mini usb cable. Is that too much to ask?
It is, actually. 'Cause USB charging has limited current, so 'universal' won't be so universal for many devices.
USB can supply 1 amp, which is enough to charge probably 90% of the portable devices out there- most devices can charge by USB, they just have a proprietary end. Say what you want about HTC and their proprietary (but ubiquitous) headphone jack but you can still charge it off a standard micro-usb connector. Excellent engineering. I have a Sprint/Sanyo Indedestructo military-grade recession-proof PTT phone that has a connector the same size and shape as micro-usb, but it's a proprietary connector. Epic Fail.
Some USB chargers supply more than the 1amp standard to speed charging- works fine on other phones. It would be nice to have an all-inclusive charging standard, but I'll settle on USB until that day comes. And while you're at it, add Audio, Video, and Data to the same connector while you are at it. HDMI or Display Port on Steroids.
It won't work for US
we privatize the profit and socialize the loss.
Just ship it to Apple no biggie
Some people may not be want to be without their phones, especially if they use them for business. I've seen people that use their phones so much they carry multiple batteries so they can swap them instantly. It's beyond stupid to have a phone without an end user replaceable battery.
And I would fully expect THAT company to tell the EU where to stick it!
I mean that's EXACTLY what they did with the reduced price of tracks on iTunes they were supposedly forced to do.
I pity thy EU residents.
The EU supports and protects the rights of consumers. Apple is not more equal than others...
when I replace a battery I just put the old one in the bin.
All batteries in all electronically devices? This is great in the future I will be able to replace my own pacemaker battery.
@who?
"You can't assume that everyone in the EU would pay the extra money to recycle hazardous material properly,"
There's no extra cost to recycle batteries. Or are you talking about the cost added to the original price? That's what the legislation is for, to not leave the choice up to the customer or the seller, the added cost is worked within the prices for everybody.
" and your stereotypical behavior is not appreciated."
Eh?! The US economy is _based_ on consumerism and capitalism. Other Western countries have more socialism built into their economy and government. No stereotyping. That's just the way the it is.
If you think that "the way it is" is that everyone in the EU is more environmentally conscious that everyone in the U.S., that is NOT a fact and it IS stereotypical. Thicker than mud, my God...
Where in that sentence, or in fact where in any of my comments does it say "everyone in the EU is more environmentally conscious that everyone in the U.S."? Either you have sub-par reading comprehension or you're consciously putting words in my mouth. Either way, no use arguing with you any further. LOL.
@AlexNC
"I don't' think you understand the typical consumer. If it costs $100 to replace a battery on a 3 year old $150 device"
I don't think you understand... anything.
Apple offers a battery replacement for $49 (iPod shuffle), $59 (iPod nano and classic), $79 (iPod touch) plus $6.95 shipping- http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
You really think paying $67 or $77 to replace the battery is that much better?
What I would like to see (and some companies are doing it) is the ability to order your new battery, (and other parts) from whatever company (original-OEM) and have them include a pre-paid bag that will put the old one in and have it shipped for free to certain plants.
There has to be some sort of discount on the cost of the shipmente, and the bag should have an bar code with what it contains so that everyone wins in some way.
You guys don't know the EU. These are the same people that at one point "regulated" the curvature of a cucumber. I am not kidding.
Don't assume that there is wisdom behind this decision, or that it has anything to do with the environment. Throwing away old batteries is surely much worse than sending in a device for battery replacement where the company doing the replacing is legally required to ensure that the old battery is disposed of properly.
What about cmos batteries?
Go EU! Stickin' it to the man (Jobs).
Don't be deceived, those plastic iPod openers are a pain.