Power to the people?

I've already whined about this lousy brand-new computer and its inability to take and hold a proper charge. It was plugged in all night, and has been plugged in again here at the GM stand for an hour - and it is still sitting at just 12 percent capacity.

And it just occurred to me - this thing is powered by a lithium-ion battery, exactly the same technology (albeit on a smaller scale) that all the car companies seem to think will be powering the car of the future.

Based on my computer experience this week, I'd say - not likely, mate.

I've already used the line about liars, damned liars and battery engineers.

GM has just announced that the battery supplier for their Chevrolet Volt will be LG, the Korean conglomerate. I hope they get it figured out.

Yesterday, Bob Lutz, GM vice-president, recounted the story of how he was an 'early adopter', buying a battery-powered scooter. On one ride, he found himself ten miles from home - with a dead battery. A phone call to a friend brought a gigantic V8-powered pick-up truck to haul the thing back home.

Now, that's environmentally-friendly.

And, I suspect, a harbinger.

Comments

[Justin]

Return it if you can and buy a Panasonic Y7 notebook. Under normal conditions the battery can go 4-5 hours. Reduced settings then 7-8. It`s expensive but worth it for being on the run or road. I wonder if your new notebook is a Dell..

[Jim Kenzie]

Actually, it's an HP 2133, cheap as dirt, and I seem to have the battery thing sorted.

As with cars and Owners Manuals, when all else fails, read the instructions.

Thanks for your input though.

Now, do you know anything about Local Area Networking?

Or "not-working", as is the case now?

[Larry Mitz]

My daughter is an engineer. When I have electronic problems she tells me to follow the engineers' rule..."RTFM" ....freely translated.."Read the manual"