Toddler Laptop Teardown
Added 2024-09-17 13:28:16 +0000 UTCA look at a toy for every 58 year old kid out there.
Comments
I personally like these. Slowly acquired dozens over time and created a "library tracking system" to figure out what toys they end up in so that I can periodically take them out and keep them topped up. EBL 8 Pack Rechargeable Lithium https://a.co/d/1WAxgmi
Michael A Berry
2024-09-24 17:19:25 +0000 UTCWhere can you find good rechargeable AA/AAA lithium cells? I haven't been able to and I've been looking.
Robyn Banks
2024-09-24 16:39:49 +0000 UTCI just had to replace my DMM battery for the first time yesterday and it was a GP battery too! It still read 8.4v too, just too low for the meter I guess. I've had that thing for like 8 years or so and often forget to turn it off.
Robyn Banks
2024-09-24 16:15:11 +0000 UTCI recommend using rechargeable batteries whenever possible. I first try quality low-self-discharge NiMH cells because they retain their charge very well, though their output voltage can be too low for some electronics, especially older stuff. I recommend the Tenergy and PowerOwl brands. Next, I try quality rechargeable Li-Ion, though the limited capacity can sometimes be a problem, again especially for older, less-efficient stuff. I don't have a favorite brand here, as it seems many of the top-rated ones use the same factory, only applying different wrapping. If neither of the above work, I use non-rechargeable Lithium cells, though I have to suppress a cringe at the expense. For me, the PowerOwl brand offers the best value with good quality, though I do occasionally find great sales on Energizer Lithium cells, which seem to be the gold standard for single-use ("disposable") Lithium cells. Yes, I do sometimes still use alkaline or even carbon cells, but only on items nearing the end of their useful life (such as remotes with 1-2 non-functional buttons), which I'll be recycling after the batteries die (or leak).
BobC
2024-09-17 18:00:54 +0000 UTCFran, try prying out what appears to be two plugs at the bottom of the display - I think they may be "rubber" plugs. Then, use a blunt knife edge to work around the edge of the display, finding the snap latches that are probably spaced around the perimeter. After gently releasing those snap latches and prying apart as you go, I think the two halves of the case will fall away from each other. It's a common assembly technique for consumer products, and especially for (real) laptops...
Mark Moulding
2024-09-17 17:48:52 +0000 UTCI completely agree. I gave up completely on disposable cells. NiMh wherever they work, lithium rechargeable AA and AAA everywhere that 1.5v is required.
Michael A Berry
2024-09-17 15:16:56 +0000 UTC3 alkaline "duracell" AAA cells have just leaked into my wireless keyboard after 7 weeks... And I bought a 24 pack of these 3 months ago, 1/3d have already leaked inside the box without being used, never ever buy that crap again!
sebastien Huart
2024-09-17 15:12:28 +0000 UTCDon't switch to "heavy duty" cells. They're included in toys because they're very cheap but they have ~1/2 of the energy density of alkaline. The issue is that when they leak, the substance is ridiculously corrosive. Alkaline leaks are frustrating but generally clean up easy enough. "Heavy duty" leaks melt plastics, traces, components and ruin everything inside. That said, they are more hardy and less likely to leak than alkaline because they don't need as much venting tolerance.
Michael A Berry
2024-09-17 14:49:26 +0000 UTCWe found one exactly like that at a thrift store about 8 years ago. It has now entertained all 4 kids and still gets used. 😊
Michael A Berry
2024-09-17 14:36:58 +0000 UTCHa! 20 years older than me. Quite a cute toy.
Keri Szafir
2024-09-17 14:00:33 +0000 UTC
