Lithium polymer cells: old batteries of the future?

If you've ever had a laptop battery die on you, you've likely found yourself wondering when the next-generation of laptop batteries will arrive. Well, the wait might finally be over if Sony is to be believed. As the company likely knows, lithium ion batteries have reached the end of the road, with the technology having been pushed to its maximum capacity--with dangerous results. Thus, Sony is looking toward lithium polymer batteries, a relatively old, yet underused technology. Lithium polymer batteries sport certain advantages: they are comprised of gels that can be crammed into spaces where traditional rigid batteries won't fit. However, the few companies who have used the technology in the past have experienced problems with capacity and battery life. Hopefully, with a major manufacturer like Sony on board, advancements will be made that allow for safer and longer-lasting laptop cells.

For more on lithium polymer batteries:
- see this CNET article