I do not like the idea of rechargeable batteries where there is no = option to use disposable batteries. The facts that there is no down time and that = I don't need to be tied to the end of a power cord are what gives the Book Port the desired portability. In my opinion the most useful improvement that can be made to the Book Port is adding a speaker to the unit. = There are so many times that using a head set is so inconvenient that I just = don't record the memo or complete some other task. The speaker could be a = small low quality speaker like a cell phone speaker. It does not need to be = any more than that. Jim King -----Original Message----- From: bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx = [mailto:bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of LARRY SKUTCHAN Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 8:53 AM To: bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [bookport] Re: USB power While we are on this subject. What is the opinion of the list on the subject of rechargeable vs = alkalyn batteries in a future Book Port design? I am personally very happy with the way the current system works, = because there is never any down time while the unit recharges, you don't have to take a charger with you, and power is always just two AAs away. >>> ewers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Friday, April 08, 2005 8:32:41 AM >>> Ok, Larry is the man and if the man says yes, then yes it is. Is there = no limit to how good this product can be? =20 -----Original Message----- From: bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx=20 [mailto:bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of LARRY SKUTCHAN Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 6:32 AM To: bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx=20 Subject: [bookport] Re: USB power Yes, that is our intent. >>> joenorton1@xxxxxxxxxxx Friday, April 08, 2005 5:35:42 AM >>> Hi APH and listers: I know that the BookPort while plugged into the USB port uses a certain amount of power from the batteries. However, it occurs to me that the = USB=20 port can provide all the power needed and it seems odd that the BP=20 couldn't take advantage of this instead of draining the batteries for = this=20 function. My Braille display at work runs completely off the USB port without the need for any other external power source. Could this be=20 eventually true of the BP if you ever update the hardware? Thanks!