Power sources and portable computers

The safety aspects of the nickel-metal-hydride and high-capacity nickel-cadmium batteries used in Apple Computer´s current notebook computers are discussed. No problems are anticipated with nickel-cadmium packs, which have an excellent record for safety because the cell design parameters are well understood and there is ample safety margin under abusive conditions. At its early stage of development, the nickel-metal-hydride cell is not as electrochemically robust as the nickel-cadmium, and it does not have as wide an operational temperature range. The possible hydrogen release from nickel-metal-hydride batteries on charging at low temperatures can also be a potential explosion hazard. Nickel-metal-hydride is considered less environmentally harmful than nickel-cadmium and has escaped legislated recycling requirements.<>