Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

Post by JacobAldridge » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 11:58 AM UTC

jacquesm wrote: post #188

Pre-ordering hardware that makes promises of substantial improvements over the status-quo that will only be testable by the buyer a few years down the line is a recipe for disaster. Do yourself a favour and hold on to your money until there are actual units that have been tested rigorously (as in, in an independent lab unaffiliated with the company) to see if the promises are delivered on.

Post by userbinator » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 1:51 PM UTC

mikeash wrote: post #165

userbinator wrote: post #160

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> The power adapter needs to be able to handle 100% Actually it can't; there used to be a support article on Apple's site named HT2332 that details how Macbooks will underclock with the battery removed, because the adapter cannot supply enough power with the system at full load. Other manufacturer's laptops have also been doing this, so Apple is not alone.

That's true, I'm able to drain my MacBook's battery while plugged in if I stress it enough. It's pretty close, though! I don't suppose you have any idea exactly how they arrive at the power adapter size for these things? It seems to be almost but not quite 100%, but they still try to optimize it where they ship 45W, 65W, or 85W depending on what computer you have.

Post by FooBarWidget » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 2:03 PM UTC

mrkurt wrote: post #146

thrownaway2424 wrote: post #79

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually no, if this worked it would be a 30-minute meeting. Our patented technology extends the charge-cycle life of standard lithium-ion batteries by at least 200%, and we can prove it. Great, we will license that. Here's a check for five billion dollars.

A conversation like that means there are other options: Our patented technology extends the charge-cycle life of standard lithium-ion batteries by at least 200%, and we can prove it. Great, we will invest, get a product to market and you can IPO in 2 years. It's why saying "yes" to an acquisition is so hard. There are always other options.

Post by hazz » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 3:04 PM UTC

masklinn wrote: post #132

conkrete wrote: post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Fair enough I could see Apple doing this. Although if batteries last as long as indicated here they would have to up the cost nearly twice as much per battery to keep profits steady.

Anecdotally, I see few people replacing their apple device (for an other one) because of battery life, and conversely stories of apple stores replacing batteries/devices because of battery life issues are regular. All in all, I don't think they'd care. Their biggest business these days is phone & tablet, and battery life (and the failure thereof) is not the primary upgrade driver.

Post by userbinator » Tue, Mar 25, 2014, 11:01 PM UTC

FooBarWidget wrote: post #194

userbinator wrote: post #162

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That reminds me, I stumbled upon some very interesting discussion here while doing some research on lion characteristics a few weeks ago: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Lithium-ion_battery/Archiv... But real batteries are obviously unaware of these sources because there are numerous examples in the wild that have been regularly fully discharged (to 2.8 to 3.0 volts), stored at around 20 °C and kept fully charged i…

But notice the phrase "properly cared for". Do you think the average consumer properly cares for his/her battery or even knows what "proper care" is? My girlfriend never charges her iPad until it reaches 0%.