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Batteries Continue To Suck

Posted by timothy on from the newsflash dept.

pvt_medic writes "As technology continues to grow, and we see more and more of a shift to portable electronic devices in our daily life, we are still constricted by one simple thing: Batteries. Newsweek has an interesting article about the lack of development in battery technology. 'Ironically, in our headlong rush to create sophisticated untethered computing, the most problematic technology turns out also to be the oldest: those nondescript metal cylinders that never seemed to be included with our Christmas toys.' And for those of you who would like an extensive overview about batteries, ExtremeTech.com has a nice overview."

7 of 605 comments (clear)

  1. so then by rootofevil · · Score: 4, Funny

    lets make with the cold fusion already.

    --
    turn up the jukebox and tell me a lie
  2. Not my "Nondescript metal cylinders" by Hi_2k · · Score: 4, Funny

    "nondescript metal cylinders that never seemed to be included with our Christmas toys"

    Why is he talking about Nukes? I mean, yeah, you never seem to get them (Top of the list, five years running! But do my parents see fit to get one? NEVER!), but what place do they have in an article about batteries?

    --
    When life gives you crap, Make Crapade.
    Sluggy Freelance.
    1. Re:Not my "Nondescript metal cylinders" by KiwiEngineer · · Score: 4, Funny

      the spoilsports with the non proliferation treaties probably have something to do with this lack of tactical nukes in your christmas stockings.

      I was sorely tempted to drop in a comment about your constitutional right to nukes but then realised that there is a right to bear arms (short sleeve shirts anyone?) but says nothing about batteries.

      --
      Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!
  3. batteries smatteries by larry+bagina · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seiko has a watch that runs based on your arm motions. Think Geek also sells a flashlight that recharges itself by jacking it off.

    --
    Do you even lift?

    These aren't the 'roids you're looking for.

  4. Re:I wonder if... by buffer-overflowed · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yes, yes I'm sure it all comes down to greed. Because you know, there's no way they wouldn't price longer lasting batteries higher than lower costing batteries. I mean to make up for the loss in volume. Oh and there's no incentive for any of the various battery companies to one-up their competition and grab market share by making a more efficient/longer-lasting battery. That's why we see that energizer bunny all the time, because it's unprofitable to sell batteries based upon length of life.

    --
    The key to the enjoyment of pop music is to replace any instance of "love" with "C.H.U.D."
  5. Actually, they are a great gift! by stienman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Best Christmas present ever:

    Pack of batteries with label: Toy not included.

    -Adam

  6. Fuels will be the new print cartridges by bluegreenone · · Score: 4, Funny

    All the big gadget people out there (including me) are all waiting anxiously for fuel cells to come along and give us super long usage times for our devices. But what I suspect will happen is that fuel for fuel cells will become the next ink jet print cartridge, with manufacturers charging insane prices for refills. The price you pay for plugging in your laptop will be a fraction of what a single fuel cell refill will cost. And of course you can expect the same manufacturer technical lock-ins as ink, except now with even more warnings like "Use of non-approved refills will result in EXPLOSIONS AND DEATH, buy only certified refills UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BLOWING YOUR HEAD OFF. You've BEEN WARNED, JACKASS!"