Thread: Battery replacement: Nuvi 1300

Originally Posted by tiger555

All the Nuvi replacement batteries I've seen are like the originals are
Lithium Polymer 3.7 volts 4.63 Whr (Watt Hours) ..........

Definately not so as far as the OEM batteries are concerned. The originals are all Lithium Ion [Li-ion] including in the 2013 range. My 3597 has Li-ion. The after market batteries are often Lithium Polymer [LiPo] though, and the two are generally interchangeable battery types.

From my [uncertain] recollections on battery types:

NiCd: Very prone to memory effect, best drained completely before re-charging.
NiMH: High rate of self-discharge [i.e. low shelf life] although new generation 'eneloop' type have better charge retaining properties.
Li-ion: Good shelf life, can be 'topped-up' without causing a memory effect and in fact best not fully discharged [like lead acid batteries, they are best trickle-charged]. Prone to over-heating. Degrade quickly if not kept charged. Good energy capacity.
LiPol: Similar to Lithium Ion but not prone to overheating. Doesn't need a metal casing and most are plastic. Smaller & lighter than Li-ion, but originally were dearer to produce [maybe not now].

The 3 main types have different charging and discharging characteristics, chargers suitable for one type may not be suitable for another, differing storage and cycle lives, and consequently have advantages and disadvantages in certain applications.

As far as high-end electronics such as Garmin Nuvis and other portable GPS devices, the polymer batteries are the best solution.