Some shops still sell battery-operated analogs, but who wants to worry about batteries conking out unpredictably, with they tend to do.

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Meanwhile, during the past week, a handful of other companies announced developments in mobile electronic chargers that use innovative technologies to prevent devices from conking out.

BBC: Four ways to revive a dying mobile phone

He must find a way to shrink the finance unit's balance sheet (freeing up cash for the parent to use for product development and for possible factory closings and job cuts) while keeping the profit engine from conking out.

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