Back up batteries for iphones, mine's dying

[Moeghoul]

I did a Jong search under "Back up batteries" and after looking thru 10 pages nothing came up on topic. I have an iphone 4, and have avoided an upgrade because of my sweet unlimited data plan I've had for 5+ years. I think I lose it if I upgrade. Anyone tried one of these or similar product? Good, bad? Does the original iphone battery still need to be operable for this thing to work? What's a minimum amount of mAH to look for? I like the concept of a case that doubles as a battery and protector, even if it makes the phone a little bulkier.

http://www.cellphoneshop.net/enlarge...2289_913422765

[Tye 1on]

i had one that i got for ~$10, it was a monoprice? Got it thru Newegg i believe. It worked about 60% of the time, really well. Had over a full charge in it, and was pretty fast. 40% of the time the phone would throw an 'incompatible device' error. Not sure why.

If you are ATT, your unlimited will carry over when you upgrade, at least mine did when i went from 3GS to 5, with the same plan.

[rideit]

I have a brand new one, (replacement battery, not integrated case) in the package, yours for $12.00 shipped. I'll include the tool you need as well.

[BigSkyfan]

Replace your battery. I am not tech savey but was able to do it in my 4s and my wifes with no problem. Go to you tube and search it. Lots of vids on how to do it but I used this one: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

Get the battery and kit on ebay here:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

[userA]

upgrade of phone should not change initial plan, which carrier?
they want you to get a new phone has always been my experience.
b

[bsavery]

upgrade of phone should not change initial plan, which carrier?
they want you to get a new phone has always been my experience.
b

Most carriers will force you to move to a limited data plan if you upgrade with a subsidized phone. The solution is to buy a phone off contract or used. Iphone 5's are pretty cheap on craigslist.

[Moeghoul]

Most carriers will force you to move to a limited data plan if you upgrade with a subsidized phone. The solution is to buy a phone off contract or used. Iphone 5's are pretty cheap on craigslist.

Good call, I seem to remember that fine print exception now. I'll make a stop at the ATT store and check around for a phone, thanks.

[Moeghoul]

upgrade of phone should not change initial plan, which carrier?
they want you to get a new phone has always been my experience.
b

ATT, I'll look into an upgrade with the other advice on here.

[DesioMedia]

As far as I know At&t will let you keep your unlimited data package if you just upgrade your phone, not switching your whole package. I've been grandfathered in for the unlimited data as well and never had any problems when switching phones. Just give At&t a call or go to the store and they will be able to answer that question best.

If you decide to keep your current phone, you're going to need a working internal battery for any external battery or case to work at its prime (or at all for that matter). I've only swapped batteries on an iPhone 3 and it took me an hour max but it doesn't look to hard for the 4. iFixit has great guides to show you step by step.

iPhone 4 Battery replacement guide
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+4...placement/3141



Unless you get a super cheapo ebay battery from a no name manufacturer they should all work well. The higher the mAh the longer the charge will last but they should all be about the same. I would just make sure you get a battery thats plug and play (no soldering) and comes with the kit to open the iphone. iFixit has a good kit for ~$25.

If your internal battery is working well heres a list of charging cases and of external charging batteries. The external battery will be bigger but can charge any usb device. My Stepdad has the mophie battery case and is totally happy with it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7...battery-cases/
http://lifehacker.com/five-best-exte...acks-509802431

[rideit]

For crying out loud, people, I have a GOOD battery for $12.
I'll put it in for you too if you are in JH!

[Moeghoul]

As far as I know At&t will let you keep your unlimited data package if you just upgrade your phone, not switching your whole package. I've been grandfathered in for the unlimited data as well and never had any problems when switching phones. Just give At&t a call or go to the store and they will be able to answer that question best.

If you decide to keep your current phone, you're going to need a working internal battery for any external battery or case to work at its prime (or at all for that matter). I've only swapped batteries on an iPhone 3 and it took me an hour max but it doesn't look to hard for the 4. iFixit has great guides to show you step by step.

iPhone 4 Battery replacement guide
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+4...placement/3141



Unless you get a super cheapo ebay battery from a no name manufacturer they should all work well. The higher the mAh the longer the charge will last but they should all be about the same. I would just make sure you get a battery thats plug and play (no soldering) and comes with the kit to open the iphone. iFixit has a good kit for ~$25.

If your internal battery is working well heres a list of charging cases and of external charging batteries. The external battery will be bigger but can charge any usb device. My Stepdad has the mophie battery case and is totally happy with it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7...battery-cases/
http://lifehacker.com/five-best-exte...acks-509802431

Shit, that is easy. You guys outdid yourself in the help department as usual.