Mobile Device Batteries — Make Mine Removable

ma561llaAs mobile enthusiasts, we’ve had the “integrated vs. removable battery” debate before. I have the last unibody MacBook model with a removable battery and I’d be hard pressed to go with an integrated battery. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I originally passed on the MacBook Air. I’d always opt to carry a second battery over an AC adapter because of the freedom of location it provides. I’ve witnessed some pushing and shoving over outlets at a Starbucks in the past, and at 120 pounds, I’m just not equipped for a steel-cage death match to top off my battery.

Web Worker Daily has rekindled the debate and makes a valid point when looking at the statistics:

“The reality is that only a small percentage of notebook users do purchase and use extra batteries. Apple seems committed to this path, and Dell is also trying the concept out. Others may follow.”

In fact, a recent owner survey of netbooks — one of the most mobile forms of desktop computing today, in my opinion — shows that 60% of those surveyed don’t even take their netbook out of the home. There’s not a huge demand for removable batteries in a case like that. Clearly, I’m in the minority as I tend to purchase a second battery with every new device. Not only does that meet my mobile power needs, but it allows me to rotate the batteries on a regular basis to wear them down in a consistent manner.

Although computer manufacturers are focusing more on power efficiency these days, battery technology hasn’t changed all that much. For that reason, I hope the industry doesn’t continue a march towards fully integrated batteries any time soon.

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