BlackBerry Bold Battery Life

[Zarathustra]

Greetings,

After reading the many, many complaints flying around the Internet regarding the pathetic battery life of the BlackBerry Bold, does anyone have any real suggestions that actually work in increasing the battery life of this phone?!?

I've implemented all the following:
- Switched permanently to 2g
- No cell broadcast information running
- No WiFi running
- No BlueTooth running
- Backlight Brightness = 10
- Backligh Timeout = 30
- Automatically Dim Backlight = On
- LED Coverage Indicator = Off
- Key Tone = Off

The only applications that ever run and cannot be closed are:

- Browser
- BlackBerry Messenger
- Home Screen
- Messages
- Phone

The phone's O.S. version is 4.6.0.266 and I get a maximum of two-three day's battery life. My BlackBerry 8800, lasted for 5-7 days. I know that I'm not the only user struggling with issue and a workable solution would be fantastic!?!

Thanks in advance

[assagai]

2-3 days is really good for the bold. don't expect more.
basically the 614mhz processor is what chews the battery.

[Fantastic1]

maybe more like the slow browsing speed on the blackberry bold on the cellular network also chews battery life

[assagai]

maybe more like the slow browsing speed on the blackberry bold on the cellular network also chews battery life

that probably contributes, but under ideal conditions you still won't get more than a couple of days

[McGuywer]

5-7 days, that's good.

[fismail]

Try a OS upgrade ...

Version 5.0.0.314
http://rapidshare.com/files/29685036...A5.0.0.314.exe

Version 4.6.0.518 (latest from Vodafone) -> select Vodafone UK under download list , select Blackberry Bold , download , install to PC , delete vendor.xml , run AppLoader.exe and see what happens.

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.0.518 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.0.518
Consisting of:

* Applications: 4.6.0.303
* Software Platform: 4.0.0.248
* File name: 9000M_PBr4.6.0_rel518_PL4.0.0.248_A4.6.0.303_Vodaf one_UK.exe
* File size: 96.81MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

* Download Software

[Zarathustra]

After some testing, I've found the battery-leeching culprit and I believe that the solution can be applied to any installed BlackBerry application as a precautionary measure. I've installed WorldMate (http://www.worldmate.co.za), which is an awesome & very useful free utility for weather updates, currency conversion, world clocks etc. It would however appear, that using the 'Return Button' i.e. The first button on the right, next to the scroll-wheel, to exit this application and perhaps any other application, is the incorrect thing to do as it may leave the application running in memory. As a test for the past couple of days, I took the long way to exit the application. I did this by first pressing the 'BlackBerry Button', scrolling down & selecting [Close] from the menu. In the WorldMate application, one has to do this twice. The result is, that my battery lasted for 4 days instead of 2 or less. I can also add that my usage didn't decline during my test period & I still made and received many calls, e-mails, SMS's etc. Despite using the [Switch Application] method to see if an application is still active doesn't always help, because it appears that sometimes it may be hidden.

[Keeper]

you can read further about this here:

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=199653

[limnos]

When you have an iPhone that doesn't even last you the day you begin to appreciate the battery life on the Bold....