[NTLK] Avi's Backdrop Battery Info Question/repair

In the Battery Info window on Avi's does the "Capacity" indicate the
top level available for the rechargeable pack currently installed?
I ask because I am still trying (for more than a year now) figure out
what to do (very limited funds) about my Newton that ALWAYS needs to
be plugged in.
Basically if left untouched the Capacity reads ZERO. If I press
really hard on both sides of the Newton, (essentially squeezing the
battery ends toward each other) it will go up to a reading of thirteen.
So what I am trying to do is find out if it is just a rechargeable
battery pack that has gone bad, or if my Newton needs very expensive
work done.
I believe it was Frank more than a year ago that graciously offered
to do some work for me if the Newton needed repaired, but I can't
afford to ship to Germany (I live in Michigan).
Does it *sound* like a bad battery that just needs replaced?
Would it be cheaper to replace the whole unit? I tried to get a
repair estimate based on what I know about the units behavior, but
all I got was an answer that I needed to pay $39 to have it "looked
at". :-(

As a side note, I also am curious about the backlight replacements,
and would like to see pictures or hear about experiences with the
white backlight. Specifically about how it looks when the light is off.
Also how much faster does a newton "feel" with the speed boost
implant done?
Thanks all!
Sorry for the long post guys.

Fred Bauman

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