Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:32:28 GMT
The Difference: Next-gen Lithium-ion Batteries
What comes to your psyche when we talk about the battery in your car? Undoubtedly the preservation and the dilemma created in the past, a number of new brands and filthy bunch of wires with an all greased-up heavy box under the hood. Maybe youve gone through the same which Ive been.
The scenario is different as the newly developed Lithium-ion batteries are ready to shake the aged folklore of the secondary batteries. With the instigation of plug-in hybrids like Tesla Roadster and the Lightning GT, the Li-ion batteries are growing in popularity.
The new generation batteries are safer, cleaner and far more powerful in order to meet the challenging necessities of electric cars. Firefly Energy, an Illinois based Startup Company which is an offshoot of Caterpillar Inc., is personifying the customary lead-acid batteries which hasnt changed much since 1890 to power the electric cars.
Firefly Energy has been given a US patent for a new carbon-foam lead-acid battery technology. It contends it can deliver its lead-acid battery performance at about one-fifth cost, with significantly reduced weight in contrast to traditional lead-acid batteries.
The Firefly battery replaces the typical lead plates in a lead-acid battery with a lightweight carbon or graphite foam to which the chemically active material, in the form of a paste or slurry, has been applied. The use of the foam structure increases the interface between the electrodes and the active chemistry; the carbon material resists corrosion and sulfation build-up, reducing weight and delivering an awesome jump in specific power, energy and cycle life.
Firefly is working upon eliminating the crystals that can build up inside lead-acid batteries. Eventually, these crystals reduce the amount electricity a battery can hold. Its been a major cause electric and hybrid automakers have favored Li-ion batteries, even though lead acid is less expensive.
Into the bargain, Firefly is looking at snowmobiles and lawn mowers, basically anything that sits for long periods without being used. Lack of use is really hard on lead-acid batteries and shortens their life radically because of the formation of those crystals. It is also eying on other markets such as data centers, which use lead-acid batteries in backup power systems. The focus is on the truck manufacturers too. They pack large banks of batteries into the cabs of semis to provide power for drivers when theyre not on the road.
A major limitation to lead-acid battery effectiveness is the lack of interface area between the active chemistry and the electrodes. Although the chemistry is theoretically proficient of delivering approximately 170 Watt Hours per Kilogram (Whr/kg), lead-acid batteries only average around 30 Whr/kg.
Until now, attaining a higher surface area within a given lead-acid battery required the addition of extra thinner lead electrodes. Nonetheless, lead electrodes corrode, so increasing surface area by putting thinner lead electrodes in the battery increases corrosion and decreases battery life. Removing the corrosive heavy lead grids and replacing them with graphite foam tackles both the issues. The design of the Firefly battery removes one-half to two-thirds of the lead out of the battery.
Stating it as a potentially game-changing technology Don Hillebrand, director of the Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratory, said that the ultimate medium for electric vehicles’ batteries may well be lithium ion, the same material used today in batteries for laptop computers.
The Controversy
Lithium-ion batteries can easily burst, ignite, or explode when uncovered to high temperatures. They should not be stored in a car during hot weather. Never open a Li-ion battery’s casing as Li-ion batteries contain safety devices that protect the cells inside from abuse. If damaged, these can cause the battery to catch fire or explode.
“In their charged state, lithium-ion batteries are intrinsically unstable,” says Bart Riley, the CTO of A123 Systems, a company that is using nanotech research to create a new and safer version of lithium-ion batteries.
“If they get damaged, or there’s a manufacturing defect, as was the case with the Sony batteries last year, there can be a spontaneous internal short, and you’ve got an explosion or fire,” Riley says.
It all boils down to a scenario where Firefly would have to take care of all the above mentioned undoings of a Li-ion battery. As of know we can appreciate the efforts of this manufacturer to give the world a better technology for the world will surely benefit from it and as they say science is ever evolving , we might soon talk about a better invention, what say !
[Image :Howstuffworks]
Read
Posted by: Parul Read more Source
Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:09:30 GMT
Olympus And Nikon Upgrade Low End Dslrs
Source:www.cnet.com.au
The prime purchase times for digital cameras and camcorders are, as expected, the year end holiday season, and now, the summer, when people expect to take lots of vacation photos.
I already covered some new offerings in the compact size class here, and now it's time to check out the latest, upgraded entry level consumer DSL's for those who want more, and don't mind a little bulk.
The latest whiz kids for the common man and woman, from Olympus and Nikon, boast 10 mega pixel sensors, advanced anti-shake technology, and plenty of other goodies, but at a price, at least compared to the compact cameras you may be used to.
However, don't be put off by the $1000.00+ dollar prices quoted in this article, because a quick search came up with a $662.00 price tag for the Nikon D40x, and I'm sure I could do better if were looking to buy one.
I expect that the Olympus would go for even less.
While I do encourage you to shop the Internet for digital cameras, be aware that there are many underhanded dealers out there who practice bait and switch tactics.
These creeps have always been around, and predate the Internet by many years when they pulled these stunts on people who ordered by phone or mail.
Don't let that discourage you though because there are plenty of honest dealers out there whose prices are just as low or lower. You just have to be careful and do some research before ordering.
My advice is to put the name of any dealer you are considering buying from on Google with the words, "complaints" or "newsgroups", and if people have been screwed by them you'll find out.
If by chance you do order from someone who later emails or calls you, and says the price was wrong, or a lens isn't included, or the battery is $300.00 extra along with a free lens cloth, don't give in. Insist that the order be cancelled, and that nothing is charged to your credit card, and then try again with someone else.
Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.
Posted by: jim Read more Source
Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:07:20 GMT
Latest Digital Cameras From Hewlett Packard
Source:www.hp.com
Hewlett Packard, a name most commonly associated with digital printing and scanning technology, also produces digital cameras with impressive specifications, and they are not budget busters.
Here's a quick overview of the new HP digital cameras, scanners and photo printers.
But the star of the lineup, shown here, the HP R937, boasts a large, touch screen LCD, and the popular "slimming" mode, designed to knock 10 pounds off images of people.
When they make on that subtracts 40 pounds I'll buy one and take a new picture of myself.
All in all Hewlett Packard is introducing 9 new, popularly priced digital cameras and two advanced, but low priced photo printers.
If you like to travel light and want a digital camera with 8 mega pixels of resolution the R837 may be what you're looking for.
Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.
Posted by: jim Read more Source
Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:15:09 GMT
Flying Alarm Clock Forces You Awake
If you are like me, it takes an earthquake to get you out of bed. I know that I don't get up until it is absolutely necessary, but that could be because I am probably lazy.
Fortunately, the Flying Alarm Clock is made for such a heavy sleeper. This device uses a loud shrieking alarm to get you up. However, you can't simply hit the snooze button on this, because turning the Flying Alarm Clock off involves using a key that literally flies off the handle. That's right, that little gyro copter on the top is required to stop the annoying sound, and by the time you get to it, you should be completely awake.
I don't really know if this propeller device would really work, because generally these things go straight up without flying around the room. Wouldn't it suck if it flew out the window?
Well, if you're willing to pay $25 USD, you can try it out for yourself.
Via ThinkGeek
Posted by: Mark Rollins Read more Source
Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:09:32 GMT
Logitech Cordless Number Pad
I have to admit, as a laptop user, the one thing that I miss is having a number pad at my fingertips. Something tells me that if I'm experiencing this, then I am not alone.
Fortunately, Logitech has you covered with a number pad that attaches to your laptop conveniently with a USB key. Now if you want to input a bunch of numbers with one hand, you can do it.
All you need to do is pay $40, and it should be okay.
Via
Gizmodo
Posted by: Mark Rollins Read more Source
Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:06:18 GMT
Arno Blender: Mixes Everything Perfectly
This is an interesting print advertisement campaign launched by Arno Blender. The campaign aims at focusing the efficiency level of the product that can blend anything. However, it is a bit puzzling that here a political theme has been used to promote a household appliance. The advertisement campaign has used a very delicate approach to powerfully convey its message regarding the utility of the product. The advertisements are showing blending George Washington and Hugh Grant to produce Bill Clinton as the final product and the second advertisement explains how George Bush was produced, by using the concept of Dubya.
The concept and the idea of the campaign were no doubt remarkable but the execution is quite struggling in the campaign. If the campaign had not used the political angle while executing that very concept, it might have worked to a greater degree and could have been far more effective. However, the presentation of the advertisement is simple and straight. The tag line of the ad reads, ‘Mixes everything perfectly’. The campaign was created by Publicis, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Via:
Ads of the World
Posted by: Balendu Read more Source
Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:03:17 GMT
Share and Share Alike With Mophie Relo 2
Do you like to share music with friends or "significant others"? It's often helpful if you are on a plane or heading out on a road trip. At least you can sing along together (well maybe NOT on that plane trip-- unless you are Justin Timberlake). It's useful at the beach too since the "soundtrack" of your day is in sync. (pun intended!)
Make Friends with the Relo² from mophie. This is the world's first headphone jack relocator for iPod nano. With a built in audio splitter, you and a friend can share the experience from the same iPod. It's made to feel perfect in your hand from smooth, durable silicon that is also shock-absorbent. It's sleek, fun and ergonomically designed. Now, who gets to hold it? Uh.. the person who grabs it first!
Just slide it in, making sure it plugs into the iPOD and then connect your earbuds and you are off!
The Relo² is available in guy-friendly Black and girly hot Pink for $25.00 and can bwww.Amazon.com or at
www.mophie.com
Posted by: Stevie Wilson Read more Source
Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:25:05 GMT
Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones
When I travel, which fortunately is not very often, I wear my earbuds all the time, except when going through security (I learned the hard way.) On the plane, blasting -- let's say, the new "Mika" -- helps keep me in the zone, but should I want to snooze, earbuds aren't going to save me.
So theseLogitech Noise Canceling Headphones With SilentSound- high-parametric noise canceling technology and custom-fit ear cushions, are EXACTLY what I need. Besides the fact that the headphones reduce outside distractions -- up to 22 decibels -- so I can enjoy my music in crisp, dyamnic sound (40mm neodymium drivers), the detachable audio cable allows me to relax in blessed silence. With the adaptive noise cancellation technology, they automatically adjust to outside sound, so you con't have to fiddle with the volume on your iPod either. As an added travel feature, the headphones fold flat in a handy protective carrying case, which also includes an adapter for airplane audio systems.
Compatible with all iPods, other MP3 digital audio players, CD players and other music devices with a standard 3.5mm stereo audio output. I'm wearing mine now and am not about to take them off, so get your own. Logitech.
Posted by: Evan Read more Source
Fri, 08 Jun 2007 23:20:51 GMT
Easy to "Shuffle" and Travel!
Want to hit the road without damaging the Ipod Shuffle? How about keeping the earbuds from tangling and strangling you? Manage both Shuffle and earbuds with a functional and cute plastic case that also doubles as a key fob and church-key. Now that's taking multi-tasking to a new level!
Mophie is something different since it's designed by creative doodling
Problem sol it's a protective case for the Shuffle, keychain, earbud wrap and also a church key all in one. Need to use the can opener? Pop it off the Shuffle. Need to keep the earbuds together? Tuck the buds under the wires. It fits easily into pocket or clutch and it's only $15.00!!!
Easy, simple and affordable. Check it out. It's worth it
Posted by: Stevie Wilson Read more Source
Wed, 23 May 2007 23:24:35 GMT
Latest Olympus Digital Cameras
Source:www.olympus.com
Olympus has just announced the upcoming release of a wide range of new digital cameras designed to fit the needs of amateur photographers.
The "FE" series of cameras are basically advanced point and shoots with favorable price points and a myriad of features. These pocketable cameras seem outstanding, if they live up to the manufacturer's claims.
The least expensive model, the FE 210, allows the use of alkaline or lithium AA batteries as well as rechargeable NIMH batteries. That's a nice feature for the occasional shooter who doesn't want to bother with battery chargers, and for those times when you can't recharge a pair of easily available alkalines will keep you going.
The Olympus Stylus SW 770 is t"FE" so it might fit the bill for a clumsy photographer, or those who want a sturdy camera to take on hiking, camping, climbing or similar perilous pursuit.
For those of you who love that long, long, zoom"FE" may be just the ticket.
This baby zooms to an astonishing 35mm equivalent of 504mm so wildlife photographers, especially birders may be interested in this one. With a 504mm focal length image stabilization is of paramount importance and Olympus has installed 2 systems for that purpose.
I've always had great results from my Olympus film cameras, and the one, older Olympus digital camera I own.
I got a used Olympus C700 uz 2.3 mega pixel digital off eBay a few years ago and it's proven to be a winner.
Actually it is a precursor to the SP550 uz mentioned earlier. It too has a long zoom range, at least for its time, but nowhere near the new version. By the way, the "uz" designation stands for "ultra zoom."
Even at only 2.3 mega pixels this camera produces great pictures, of reasonable size, due to its gem of a lens. Great lenses were always the bragging point of Olympus film cameras, and so far, the company seems to be carrying on the tradition with its digital cameras.
Keep in mind that despite a camera's bells and whistles, features that you may never use, and big numbers for zoom ratios and sensors, it's still the lens that makes the picture. So get a camera with the best lens you can afford, preferably one with ED and or Aspheric elements. We'll delve more into lens technology in a later posting.
I like to wait a while before plunking my money down on any type of toy, particularly electronics, because the price invariably comes down rapidly, and I like to wait to see just how good, or bad, it is.
These days it doesn't take very long before there's a plethora of user reviews available on the net that you can check out.
And yes, I'm a big fan of eBay. By carefully researching products and reading user reviews, and the exercise of patience, you can get many things off eBay that ordinarily may be out of reach, especially if you can find a well cared for, used example.
Sure it's a bit of a gamble at times, but hey, I "FE", and although the casinos see precious little of my money, I do feel the compulsion to gamble once in a while, so eBay's my game.
Now, I'm not recommending Olympus, I'm merely reporting on their latest efforts, and my own experience with their past products. I don't want to throw wet blankets on promising new digital cameras but, as you know, companies and their products can go up, or down in quality at any given moment, so caveat emptor.
Posted by: jim Read more Source
