Well first: What do you consider sub=par battery life?

Secondly: You shouldn't notice much difference in any between IMAP and POP on battery life. What makes a difference is the frequency with which you check your accounts. So manual will use less battery if you actually check less but if you set it check once an hour you will get better battery life than if you set it to manual and hit the button every fifteen minutes. The protocol shouldn't make any difference at all.

 

If you've setup your android with a gmail account it uses push email unless you turn it off in Settings > Data Synchronization.

pop vs imap with the same check frequency will not have an effect on battery lfie.

 

8-9 hours?!?!?!

are you using it the whole time? The manufacturer says 7 hours talk time on a full charge. What do you use this for? Have you done the MR update? Are you inbetween towers?

 

There is really a lot more to this than can be addressed with the little information given. However there is a great sticky at the top of this forum that should help you get better battery life.

http://androidforums.com/sprint-htc...hero-battery-life-thread-tips-discussion.html

Also if you have a low signal, like I do working in a basement, and leave your phone on it will drain the battery looking for a signal. Just a thought...