Advancements in Li-Ion cell technologyIntel's notebook battery co-development alliance with Matsushita's Panasonic is bearing some fruit in the form of cells capable of powering a portable computer for up to 12 hours, Intel reported yesterday. While these advancements are still only happening in a lab, Intel stated that its goal of eight hours of battery life by 2008 was "well in sight".
In the meantime, Panasonic will ship a Lithium-ion battery early next year that offers 30 per cent more power capacity for a given size than today's mid-range notebook batteries, but only 11.5 per cent more than top-end cells.
The new battery adds a small amount of nickel to the standard Li-ion cell's anode. The upshot is a lower 'end-of-discharge voltage' - the voltage at which the battery needs to be recharged. That, in turn, means a longer run-time.
This is turning into a two-pronged attack: Make the parts being powered more efficient, and make the batteries powering the parts last longer. I like this. My Athlon XP-M 2500+ based notebook's ~2 hour battery life is truly looking pathetic.
Article Link: Intel, Panasonic prep 12-hour laptop battery
