For the Ignorant who said batteries cost $2... Its an internal rechargable battery. Not AA batteries from Rite Aid. As for the battery it depends how, and how often you use it. Just like any rechargable battery. Even $4,000 laptops need new batteries after a while. IF you use the battery until its dead (EVERY TIME) then charge it, it will last alot longer than it will if you charge it when the battery is 1/2 full all the time. Basically this helps prevent the battery from creating a "Memory" and makes it last alot longer. There is no possible way to put a number on how many time you can charge the battery. If you follow what I said above you will probably be able to charge it like 1,500 times, otherwise it could range from 400 - 1000 depending on usage, etc. So to answer your original question... NO its not true that you can only charge it 500 times, then you have to replace it.