1. Disable the "Always On" Data Opetion - Go To "Menu" then "Settings" followed by "Wireless Controls" and finally "Mobile Network Settings" where you'll need to unselect the "Enable Always-On Mobile Data" - This will single handedly be the biggest energy saver since your phone isn't constantly searching for information.
2. Disable Wireless Network Positioning Services - Navigate to "Menu" then "Settings" then "Location" and finally "Use Wireless Networks" where you'll choose to turn off the positiona service. Please note you don't need to turn off the GPS checkbox since GPS only operates in conjunction with services that access it.
3. Turn Off WiFi - This one's quick, just select "Menu" then "Settings" followed by "Wireless Controls" and then uncheck "Wi-Fi."
4. Turn Off the Weather App - This is a function that constantly pulls data, which in turn drains battery life. Turn this function off by doing the following: "Menu" then "All Programs" followed by "Weather" then chosoe the "Menu" option from within the Weather program and choose "Setting" where you can disable "Update Automatically" now you can just pull Weather information when you want it, not constantly.
5. Set your other constant update app to lower update frequencies - There's really no menu to navigate here, it depends on the applications you're using. For example you could set the Facebook App to only update once an hour rather than every 5 minutes. The main point is simple, you want to use the least amount of data possible to help battery strain.
6. Use the Task Panel and Shut Down Apps - Sure the HTC Hero can run 10 apps at one time without many issues, but every application that remains open is using processor power, which in turn is draining your devices battery. Exit applications you're not using to save battery life.
7. Turn Down Screen Brightness - From the Hero Launcher click on "Screen &Lock" then find "Screen" and look for the "Brightness" option, you can drag the brightness down slightly to save on battery life. This is really a personally preference option, I don't like a super bright screen, but factory settings offer a blaring brightness.
Those are some basic battery saving tips for the HTC Hero. The basic idea is simple, the less strain you put on your devices processor, the better your battery life will be. While lowering how long your screen stays on when idle and the brightness at which it operates will also play a role in battery life times.
These are of course just several tips. Feel free to leave a comment with your own tips for extending the battery life on the HTC Hero.
Screen & Lock from the launcher. Look for the Brightness slider under Screen, you can tap it and hold on it to drag the brightness to the level you want.