IEEE taskforce begins 18-month revision of laptop battery standard

If you were hoping that the IEEE would hurry those 802.11n proposals along, you're probably not thrilled to hear that an issue with a bit more precedence is probably taking top priority. While we WiFi freaks wait impatiently for the next-generation standard to get its own stamp of approval, the taskforce is now beginning the efforts to update the apparently insufficient "Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Portable Computing." In a presumed attempt to make the next wave of notebook batteries carry less explosive tendencies, the IEEE 1625 standard is being updated "to further safeguard the reliability of laptop batteries." The standard itself "defines approaches for evaluating and qualifying such batteries, verifying their quality and reliability, and educating and communicating with end users," all of which should see fairly dramatic changes. The bad news is that the IEEE is estimating a full 1.5 years before the protocol can be updated, but assures the frightened consumer base that all major notebook / battery manufacturers "have indicated strong interest to participate" -- which makes perfect sense when those very companies are losing millions recalling the current designs.

[Via Laptoping]

[sine~language @ Nov 8th 2006 5:47PM]

Don't think you'll hear too many complaints on this news, though probably something that should've been implemented BEFORE the batteries began exploding.

[Javi @ Nov 8th 2006 5:58PM]

I doubt the same experts that deal with the 802.11n ratification are the same ones that deal with the Li-Ion battery chemistry issues.

[g_stewart @ Nov 8th 2006 6:00PM]

The IEEE is a huge organization, with many branches capable of handling multiple tasks in parallel.

This new proposal has nothing to do with the ratification process for 802.11n, and will have no impact on its becoming a standard asap.

If you're going to try and "diss" the IEEE, at least understand the organization first.

[jason @ Nov 8th 2006 7:22PM]

yeah, I understand engadget is trying to be funny, but often they aren't

[Quiddity @ Nov 8th 2006 6:31PM]

I had a dell laptop whose screen randomly caught fire on battery power. If this had happened on an airplane, the consequences could have been huge. I'm glad they are doing something about this--and the sooner the cheaper for them. As my old mechanic used to say, "we can fix it no matter how much it costs you." Fire and explosions are expensive--and should be.

[jason @ Nov 8th 2006 7:21PM]

What would be great is a standard for both battery shape and size as well as power adapter plug-in shape. This way any person can purchase any computer battery or power adapter from any brand and it'll work on any laptop.

OK, perhaps a couple different sizes for the [extreme] difference in size of some laptops.