Portable computer power sources

The designers of any portable computer face a dilemma when choosing the power source for their product. The product can be either smaller and lighter than the competition (and possibly suffer from shorter run-time) or it may have superior run-time at the expense of added weight and volume. The balance between these options is a delicate one that impacts product acceptance and ultimately the manufacturer´s revenue stream. The author argues that battery technology advances alone will not lead to desired long run-time for portable computers. Hardware power requirements must also be reduced to achieve longer run-times and to avoid thermal limitations associated with smaller product form factors. He believes that the development of a few widely distributed standard battery pack form factors will benefit the manufacturer of high volume portable computer products targeted to a mass market by reducing initial battery cost to the OEM, and will benefit the consumer by making replacement batteries more readily available.<>