Battery Problems Result in More Delays for Pleo
Caleb Chung just sent out an email to the UGOBE mailing list announcing that Pleo will, yet again, be delayed. This time it’s due to the addition of the removable battery pack, which has been long requested by those hoping to purchase a Pleo.
While adding the removable battery pack is a very important addition, the added delays are very disappointing. Caleb says, “We are working hard to make sure everyone who has ordered a Pleo will receive one by the holidays.”
The specific reason given is:
In pre-production testing we encountered problems getting Pleo to charge correctly. Implementing design
changes to resolve the charging issue has led to the delay. We’re working hard to make sure everyone who has
ordered a Pleo will receive one by Christmas time.
also …
As we neared production, we encountered some difficulties with Pleos charging consistently. Combined with the
input you have given us about wanting multiple batteries that were easy to remove and charge, we decided that
solving our charging problems and answering the call for an external charger was paramount.
This is indeed sad news. I was very excited about receiving my Pleo in October. Lets hope that UGOBE can weather all of these delays and glitches and deliver a stellar product.
Update: Engadget is also reporting that there will be a 50% drop in initial Pleo production due to the battery problems! This is indeed sad news.
September 11th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
It is indeed sorry to hear about the problem and consequences. But i applaud UGOBE for not sacrifycing quality. You wouldn’t want to have the Pleo in time for Christmas, only to find out there still was some battery problem, and/or hearing that a couple of weeks later Pleo 1.1 was launched, with a definite solution for the battery problems, would you? I, as initial buyer, sure wouldn’t want that
….
October 6th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
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June 19th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
But after throwing it in there, I found a site that said that only a ziplock bag and 15 hours were needed… has anyone had this work with only 15 hours? I need this battery working ASAP, and this is kinda my last resort.