On the android forums is the sms solution.
see:
http://androidforums.com/sprint-htc-hero/11699-spint-hero-battery-issues-known-fix-fix-charges-faster-lasts-longer.html
BTW bext way I found to download handcent to the phone was:
On the phone use search and input handcent download. It will find the page and follow instructions.
It seems to work so far. I just did it for my wife's and my phone.