Batteries Can't Keep Up (Lithium Ion)

[whatelseisnew]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5387-2004Jan10.html

Lithium ion batteries, the battery type most commonly used inside laptops and the flashy gadgets that early adopters of new technology lug everywhere in their pockets, are the most lightweight, powerful and low-maintenance batteries around. They're even more environmentally friendly than other choices.

But they have one drawback: a limited lifespan...

Despite that limitation, gadget makers say they are using the batteries in more and more products because their compact size means they can be used to build the slicker and thinner devices that attract consumers.

...

It's a fact of life that electronics makers are all too familiar with. "It's been vexing that batteries have not been keeping up with Moore's law," observed Zehr at PalmOne, referring to the computer-industry maxim that computer chips will double in complexity and power every 18 months or so. "We keep making all these improvements... , but it's basically the same battery you bought in 1999....Batteries have just not kept up."

<<DUHHHH!!>>

[Deja Q]

1. Given that newer chip technologies use LESS POWER...

even a stagnant technology like lithium ion batteries should appear to last LONGER.

As for a limited lifespan, that's why you buy an extended warranty plan that includes battery replacement. The cost of the plan is usually compensated for by the very first time you change your battery, and over the life of the plan you'll likely swap out the battery twice more.

I know they want to make 'fuel cells' to replace lithium ion batteries for laptops, but what's the fuel? It's not going to be jell-o. Water is readily renewable, so I reckon they'll turn to the GOP industry (gas, oil, petroleum).