http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Hey now, speak proper American!

]]>Oct 7th 2008 6:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 8th 2008 2:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 3:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
They should just add a clause stating that when the company is already taking the initiative to replace the battery in an environmentally sound manner, they can design their products however they want.]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
On the other extreme of this argument, if it was required to make batteries non-user replaceable and required any place that would change your battery to abide by strict guidelines for disposal you would see a lot more batteries being properly disposed of. But that isn't a viable option for many, many reasons.

This won't pass as is and Apple will continue to make thinner, more durable electronics without easily breakable battery hatch.]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
You do have at least a limited point there... most people shouldn't be trusted with hazardous substances, but it's not that simple. You could argue that the shipping back and forth for what could be made a simple replacement isn't environmentally responsible. Perhaps a core charge could be required when purchasing an new lithium battery, so that the dead battery would need to be returned to the retailer for a deposit refund.]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
http://deathby1000papercuts.com/2008/09/uk-garbage-nannies-garbage-collection-snooping-rules-torture-brits/]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Do you think the people who are too thick to not recycle their old batteries are going to know about Apple's battery replacement policy? Some of the really stupid ones are just going to throw away the entire iPod once the thing can't hold a charge anymore.]]>Oct 7th 2008 2:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Unlike what the Engadget editors might think, this is not directed towards Apple specifically. It's yet another directive by the EU to lessen our impact on the environment. Europe is also trying to make it easier to recycle batteries, you simply drop them off at any retailer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_Directive

"right now you have to send in your iPhone for a battery replacement, and Apple recycles the old one."

If the iPhone battery were removable by the user, they could remove the old battery and send it to Apple in exchange for a new battery. Same thing but less stuff to ship, less packaging, better for the environment. Sure, this'll never work in US because they're all for consumerism at the expense of everything else in the world, but it'll work fine in other Western countries cause they have a different value system.
]]>Oct 7th 2008 2:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Most people sell their iPod/iPhone when they no longer want it, not throw the entire thing away!!!


The only people who are rich or stupid enough to throw it away wouldn't have taken the initiative to replace and recycle the battery anyway, so this doesn't really affect them, does it?]]>Oct 7th 2008 2:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
You can't assume that everyone in the EU would pay the extra money to recycle hazardous material properly, and your stereotypical behavior is not appreciated.]]>Oct 7th 2008 2:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 3:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/"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]]>Oct 7th 2008 5:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
But it's true that we can't blame much the customers, since most Apple fans will buy a new version as soon as it gets out and their old iThingy version battery won't have time to be dead.]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/)]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 4:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Take bluetooth headsets for instance. If bluetooth headset manufacturers are forced to make their headset so that you can easily open and replace the battery, the size of those devices will easily double. Given the way manufacturers work nowadays anything they design is designed to meet the regulations for all the major regions around the world. That means, headsets in America or Asia or South America (etc.) will be affected by another stupid European law.

Much like the stupid european law that's in place that's limited audio volume (maybe that's just a french law).
]]>Oct 7th 2008 4:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
az_runner,
bluetooth headset size doubling? I beg to differ. A slide-off piece of plastic allowing access to an internal battery will double the headset size?

It is pure irresponsibility. Creation of disposable devices and customer ignorance about rechargeable batteries (and their charge lifetime) that has made them get away with this for so long. I, for one, would never buy a device without easily removable batteries (ie. devices requiring surgery for replacement).

This includes Bluetooth headsets, almost every non-phone Walkman, iPods, etc. Devices designed for disposal never make me bust out the wallet, nor give me the flexibility to carry a spare battery with me. Impractical junk.]]>Oct 7th 2008 6:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
However, I think this could be the first really good bit of legislation that has come out of the EU for some time.

Certainly all devices like phones, MP3 players, laptops should have easily replaceable batteries and it only seems to be Apple who screw their customers over by not having easily replaceable batteries, instead they insist that people sent the device off to be fixed.

So, I for one am in favour of this legislation, in fact get it in place ASAP so Apple are forced to withdraw their products, that would be funny.

Unlikely, but it would serve them right.]]>Oct 8th 2008 4:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Socialism... you might want to look that up.]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Or if Apple don't wanna conform to the rules and regulations within the EU they can just stop selling their products over here. ]]>Oct 7th 2008 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
Just because the current US Government is pig-headed and defiant in the face of facts, doesn't mean the rest of the world has to be. I'm sure the Danish are happy with 20% of their electricity being provided by wind.]]>Oct 7th 2008 3:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/We're not talking about devices that are harmful here.
--------
Do you know what goes into a battery and the effect that has on the environment when disposed improperly?]]>Oct 7th 2008 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 8th 2008 8:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 2:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 2:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 2:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 2:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/
The DS only needs one screw to replace the battery, but they still were pretty much junking it.

Then again, maybe putting this directive out will help raise consumer awareness to replacing batteries. It's certainly going to be better than the government's usual thing of requiring some inane safety warning for the mentally deficient like "do not place bag over head" and "iphone not intended for internal use"]]>Oct 7th 2008 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 9th 2008 2:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/Oct 7th 2008 1:33PM