FI>Is the battery wearing out and do I need to replace it, and if it isn't
  >wearing out, is there a way of putting some extra life back into it? ..and
  >is there any truth that you don't really need to buy a dedicated 
replacement
  >battery (a non-Motorola type?)
Ni-cad batteries have a tendency to develop a "memory effect".  It 
works like this.  Suppose you have an 8 hour battery.  You use it for
2 hrs. and recharge it instead of fully depleting it.  The batter
begins to think that it is only a 2 hr battery and only holds up for 
2 hrs.  There are special chargers that will correct memory effect.
I think, however, there is a good possibility that your batter is just
worn out.  If I were to buy an aftermarket battery instead of a factory
battery, I would be very careful about the source.  There is some 
realgarbage out there.
CHARLES
 * 1st 2.00 * Good intentions randomize behavior.
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