RE: VLNC. Take this FWIW. It's from MacOSrumors.com (http://macosrumors.com/?view=archive/8-00) in August, and is consistent with information from within VLNC that Apple was sampling VLNC batteries.
>>UMA-2 Apple portables to feature updated batteries? Rumor
According to new reports from Apple sources, the company's portables
development unit is experimenting with at least two types of
improved-perfomance batteries for use in the first round of iBooks and
Powerbooks based on the forthcoming UMA-2 motherboard chipset.
These include polymer cells, which use a solid plastic-like matrix to
store electrical charge, and a revamped version of the Lithium-Ion
technology that Apple currently uses.
The polymer batteries are roughly a quarter the weight of Apple's
current model, and can store up to twice the charge in a unit the same
size. They are, however, still developmental and may not be ready for
reliable mass production in time. The revamped Li-Ion units are
identical in weight and size to current models, but can hold
approximately 25% more charge and are more likely to make good on
the "memory-free" promise of Lithium-Ion technology than today's
models, which have been known to begin experiencing "memory," a
condition where effective charge depletes vastly faster than rated
capacity, after 16-18 months.
The polymer models, although initially more expensive, are expected
to overtake the price/performance of Li-Ion batteries some time next
year if major vendors like Apple adopt the technology. Considering
their tremendous weight and capacity advantages -- as well as virtually
100% memory-free operation for the lifetime of the battery -- Apple
would do well to do so. It remains to be seen what the outcome of
these investigations will be, but if a reliable supplier is found, Apple
may find itself one of the first adopters of Polymer power storage
technology, and therefore at a significant advantage in portable features
going into 2001.<< |
