Mobile devices and green technology are two hot topics right now as consumers demand functionality on the go that doesn’t trash the environment. Hewlett Packard is embracing those trends by purchasing a new kind of laptop battery from Boston-Power that promises longer life and faster charging.

Batteries have long been a problem for laptop users who usually can only eek out two to four hours of use per charge in an eight-hour work day that doesn’t meet the need very well. In many office environments laptops have completely replaced desktops and with that shift comes an expectation of mobility. That means electrical outlets aren’t always available – batteries need to step up and meet the need.

Boston-Power claims its Sonata line of batteries batteries are a green step in that direction:

In just 30 minutes you can recharge your notebook to 80 percent capacity . . . Forget being forced yet again into buying a new notebook battery. Not only does Sonata last you the lifespan of your notebook (on average 3 years), but it also offers you the same, unwavering capacity of a new battery that entire time.

The company also claims the Sonata battery is safer because of a focus on less volatile materials. While faster charge time and elimination of battery fade are great improvements, a leap in overall battery capacity seems to be missing.

Still, Boston-Power is doing something right because it was able bring Hewlett Packard in as a customer, which helps justify the “. . . $70 million in venture funding from Oak Investment Partners, Venrock, GGV Capital and Gabriel Venture Partners.”

Supposedly the battery is ready as an upgrade for Hewlett Packard customers but on several configurations on http://hp.com it wasn’t an available option. The screenshot of the battery options screen below is from one attempt:

It’s good to see companies like Hewlett Packard catering to customer needs, and it’s convenient that those goals align with the green movement as well.

Related:

Entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 1:33 am under Notebook, Technology.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
Stumble It!