The chances for a battery company to obtain an OEM contract for a notebook or laptop computer approach zero.
Sony makes it's own batteries.
Toshiba makes it's own batteries.
Nec?
Dell, IBM, Compaq, HP, and others are made by Quanta.
The above list covers the vast majority of the laptop and notebook total production. Sure there are others, but not
many.
Perhaps this is why Vlnc removed itself from production to strictly technology, patents/ royalties. This makes
sense since they have a very limited opportunity to break into the market place.
ULBI has a chance to get into OEM contract through their partnership or JV in Taiwan. One of the partners is
Quanta Computers, the world's largest notebook and laptop manufacturer. Quanta will probably want to buy from
UTI.
So, Vlnc's new business makes sense. Dell may be interested in VLNC for obvious reasons. Dell may also be
interested in UTI.
Investing in new technology is risky. We have to look no further than Palm and Handspring. As new technologies
surface it hurts companies like Palm, but in the long run favors battery companies, batteries will always be there
no matter what. Chips come and go, devices come and go, let the chips fall where they may. |
