SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : VALENCE TECHNOLOGY (VLNC)
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: rich evans who wrote (14030)8/30/1999 4:59:00 PM
From: Rich Wolf  Read Replies (2) of 27311
 
The notion of generating current as one types is an interesting flight of fancy, but at least as it's now implemented, the extra weight (1 lb for a laptop that weighs 4-5 lbs, ideally) would not likely be acceptable. So I don't take it seriously.

Now, if they could make it work without magnets, you'd lighten it up considerably. But you need to have a wire cutting through a magnetic field (or vice-versa) to generate the current, and the strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the size (and weight) of the magnet. Yet if you make the magnets too small, then you lose current generation capability. I'd guess that's why his prototype system (which weighs a pound) may not be able to be made smaller.

I would also note that a major potential market for Valence's cells are handheld portable electronic devices that are sometimes generically referred to as 'information appliances.' Many of these will be pen-based (no keypads). Picture being able to walk around an office or factory holding a tablet with a large touch-screen, which has wireless access to other computers on the network. Then there are many combination devices such as phones that provide internet access, and hence may require more power than current cellphone designs.

The portable computing, communication, and networking environments we are trending towards will require much more energy density than current batteries provide. And this is a fast-growing market. Valence is well-positioned to provide what is needed.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News