ok why did i just now see this?! thats a great idea! so the battery is easily accessible? not buried in the pony like the G1 talkers?
Well, it's concealed behind the snap-on chest-piece. Remove the necklace, and you'll find the battery compartment that can be easily opened using a hobby kit screwdriver.
The new white Celestia version in the double pack with Pinkie is looking like a January-ish release although that usually means anything 4 weeks before and anything 4 weeks after the suggested release month so if could well turn up in stores!
Well, I hope it makes it out in the US in time for Christmas or earlier.