y r rechargeable batteries so inadvanced?

**macnewguy** · November 19th, 2003, 05:57 PM

I don't know if it's just me, but I think that rechargeable batteries are as advanced as what they are being used in. I get 3 hrs on my Powerbook. Only 3 hours. I don't think that it is that long. My iPod probably gets 7 hours at most, when I charge for 8 hours. i really don't know what else to say. I just think they should work on battery power. For the iPod, AA batteries would be better, I htink.

**symphonix** · November 19th, 2003, 09:14 PM

I'm looking forward to Fuel Cell technology. Insiders expect it to start making its way into consumer notebook computers and mobile phones in 2-3 years.

A hydrogen cell inside will power your laptop for 20-30 hours, and can be recharged INSTANTLY by clipping a cannister onto the fuel port. These cannisters will hold hundreds of charges worth of hydrogen and be available VERY cheaply from your local corner store, service station or supermarket. No fossil fuels, and no emmissions other than water vapour.

So, yes, they are definitely working on new options and new technologies as far as battery power goes.

As for using AA batteries on the iPod, forget it. Even the best quality AA batteries would only be able to power it for 10 hours use. This would be expensive and bad for the environment (think of how hazardous all those thrown away batteries really are).

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing a clip-on extended battery for the iPod ... maybe Belkin can whip one up! :-)

**brianleahy** · November 20th, 2003, 01:52 PM

"inadvanced" ? I don't think that's a word... You mean "primitive" ? ;-)

As always, the question is "primitive -- compared to what"? Batteries that can supply lots of power for a very long time are harder to design - and manufacture cheaply - than you might realize. Size and weight are also a big factor -- you could definitely have an iPod that would run for weeks without recharging -- if you didn't mind it being the size of a kleenex box and weighing 15 lbs.

A lot of the longevity we DO see in modern batteries is actually due to the devices being engineered to use less power. In many ways, this is a simpler task than battery design. The issues involved with improving battery life are quite different from those involved with designing a faster microprocessor or a denser hard drive -- and therefore, advances in computer tech do not always lead to advances in battery design.

Still, better batteries are a very red-hot market, and many companies are working on new designs. Fuel cells may lead to quite a revolution. Better solar cells may enable devices to self-charge with any ambient light. And more advanced electrode materials may greatly increase the storage capacity of regular chemical batteries.

**UNIX X11** · November 20th, 2003, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by symphonix

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing a clip-on extended battery for the iPod ... maybe Belkin can whip one up! :-)

They already have! Lasts 20 hours!

**symphonix** · November 21st, 2003, 01:30 AM

He-he... why am I not surprised? :-D

**Randman** · November 21st, 2003, 02:37 AM

Yeah, but Belkin's is only for the Gen3 'Pods. And solar chargers are so expensive these days.
Personally, I think the batteries are created to die so quickly (3 years' lifespan?) so consumers are more likely to buy, buy, buy.