PocketMatrix

Yo, i think its normal, ive got an A620, seems after you opened a program and closed it, it still runs in the background and used up the memory, when you opens other programs etc amd thus cause the hangups.

Always check the memorystatus ultility and close the running programs in the background to release more memory, before you opens new programs.

As for the battery drain life, hold power button longer, the ppc will goes to suspend mode and consume more battery energy.
Quick press on the power button to shutdown the ppc means the ppc is staying on the standby mode, just like a mobilephone and will last a week battery life.
So if you let your ppc runs out of battery and without backing up any userfiles means all userdata will be resetted and gone, thats why its recommend to regular sync with a PC and recharge the ppc or use an CF memory card with the backup mode on.