Dennis, Mark, et al., Some thoughts about the battery sizes from the third assembly line (from yahoo):
<< PDA battery sizes and line 3
by: skyhi111 9435 of 9447
Gtata, thanks for the info. Since they now have experience with the two previous lines, they probably know how to get it going in a shorter time, and where the sensitive adjustments and problem areas are.
So what's their first cell size off this line? Two hints come to mind:
(1) I remember at the SM that the VP of R+D showed us a prototype cell, which the first two lines were not set up to manufacture. Since this cell was designed in response to customers' needs, let us consider the possibility that the third line is being set up to make these cells.
The cells in question were designated '74A' and were of dimension 70x140mm. Dr. Lundquist said they were designed to be used in: PDAs (using just one cell), microcomputers (using 3 cells in series), and laptops (using 3 pairs of cells, for 6 total).
(2) Lev spoke with many of us afterwards, and said that he felt they would derive more profits by focusing on larger cells, rather than cellphone-sized cells. This was based on his assessment that they would have little competition (if any) in that arena, and the profit margins would be sustainable. He said additional equipment being sent to NI would be focusing on the larger cells.
The 74A would qualify as a 'larger cell,' in my book.
And gee, seems to me that this cell could well be online in time for a late spring product release. PDAs, eh?.....Microcomputers, eh?.....Laptops, eh?....Three birds with one stone.... >> |
