With the USB cable, the new one is awesome, you can recharge the computer and the transmitter as well as download the information from the computer but with Bluetooth you can only download the log, configure some of the settings and upgrade the firmware no issues. I generally use Bluetooth for downloads and the cable for recharging myself.
I believe that the batteries have a 10 year expected life. A dealer/distributor is able to replace the batteries when the time comes. I prefer rechargeable myself, I use rechargeables whenever I can with dive equipment, or anything else, that takes batteries.
I am using the European web links so I see the prices in Euros. The Euro is soooo close to USD these days, I think 1E = 1.055 USD.