Problem: The battery on my HP R717 died. WalMart and RadioShacks in the area do not have a replacement.

Solution 1: Order one and wait a week or two for delivery, missing valuable journalistic opportunity to take pictures of the 2008 debate tomorrow.

Solution 2: Hack a battery.

First off, I went to Wal Mart to find the battery that was the closest match in how the pins and polarity lined up and the voltage rating. I settled on a Duracell DR9712 which is for a Kodak camera.

Upon first inspection, the pins were very similar, but the size of the battery is thinner in all dimensions, so I expected to have to work at it to get the camera working using the stock case. However, the battery did not work at all with anything I tried.

I then decided to disassemble the HP battery. The bottom has a rubber plate that I peeled back (had no glue on it) which covered the battery pack. I took out the pack, which contained the pin holder and some leads to the battery. I then took apart the Kodak battery, which was nothing but a square plastic ring and a label over the entire battery pack.

The packs themselves are equal in dimensions, save for length. The Kodak battery fit right in the HP case, and I used some napkins to make up the difference between the bottom of the pack and the rubber gasket. I then put the hacked battery in and the camera lit right up. The only downside to this is the Kodak battery has lower capacity.

Expect debate-related pics!

neat!

Pics or it didn't happen...

I'd like to see how you did this. I want to see just how your battery came apart.
I need a new battery & charger for my camera, but they'd cost about $80. Now you've inspired me to look into buying one of those cheaper ones from walmart & hacking the battery like you.

Aight. My sister moved my camera from where I put it, so I ended up forgetting it when I left my parent's house. Pics will have to wait.