World's First Battery to Last Lifespan of Notebook

Boston-Power Inc. of Westborough, Massachusetts, has released its Sonata product line, a next-generation, lithium-ion battery for notebook computers. The company is working closely with HP in the testing and validation process of this new technology. “Sonata yields a better performing, cost-effective battery with best-in-class safety assurances,” says Boston-Power founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud. Sonata is a drop-in technology that can be used in existing notebook computers. Significantly, it requires no design changes on the part of the notebook OEM. Sonata's safety features include slower chemical kinetics, current interrupt devices, new thermal fuses, pressure relief vents and safer pack configuration. The computers using Sonata batteries will be shipped this summer. Sonata provides on-the-go notebook computer users with the industry's fastest recharge time – recharging to 80% capacity in 30 minutes. This represents approximately half the time required by other batteries. Additionally, it is the only battery designed to match the lifespan of a notebook computer. To date, most users find that they need to buy at least three batteries in the first three years of use of a new notebook computer. Sonata is designed so these users should need only one.