New Rules May Raise Cost of Buying Gadgets Online

ericatcw writes "Buying your next laptop or smartphone online could suddenly get a lot more expensive if a little-known US Department of Transportation proposal to tighten rules around the shipment of small, Lithium-Ion battery-powered devices by air goes through, says an industry group opposing the move. The changes, designed primarily to reduce the risk from Lithium-Ion batteries, would also forbid air travelers from carrying spare alkaline or NiMH batteries in their checked-in luggage, according to the head of the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association. The proposal is under review until March 12. It can be viewed and commented upon by members of the public."

Comments

Re:Hawaii will be especially hurt by this

[drinkypoo]

My latest cellphone, a Nokia 61... something with two more digits :) had a full battery when I bought it from Mas Movil in Panama city. It's a piece of garbage though, the keypad makes it horribly easy to hit the wrong number and there's a big gap around the connector block that permits hair and lint to get behind the screen trivially.