Apple and the Wireless Power Adapter
Posted on 17 February 2007
Louis Gray, who writes for The Apple Blog, just posted an entry that describes something I’ve been discussing with friends for awhile now:
Think about it. Bluetooth mice. Wireless internet. Aren’t you sick of lugging that laptop power adapter around with you everywhere you go? And not to mention tripping over it when you walk across the room. It only makes sense. There is a rumor that Apple has filed a patent for this invention.
Two things I think Apple will capitalize on:
- Wireless power adapters.
- The Tablet PC. (Apple recently filed for the CD slot under the laptop patent)
Exciting times.
Would you buy an Apple Tablet PC?
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February 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
The real question is: How would wireless power be deployed?
Would it be a sender/receiver scenario where one plugs in the wireless adapter to a power socket, and via USB or some other connection, have a receiver built in to the portable?
After that stage, would it be more logical to build in that functionality to the base of the machine, just as we don’t see antannae on a PowerBook?
Years ago, it was suggested Apple had a “hand-cranked” line of portables in their labs, and turning the crank delivered the necessary juice. I can’t see Steve Jobs embracing that route.
February 18th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
This won’t happen in the near future in any meaningful manner. The physics is just against you (EE140 and 142 represent!).
You can do something where you have a charging plate where you can set your notebook on it and it will wirelessly charge, but the charging plate still needs to be plugged in. The science is just not there for a wireless power adapter as far as I know, and Engineering always lags science, so I don’t see this happening in the near future.
PS - boobs!
September 17th, 2007 at 10:59 am
I read in Civil Engineering Magazine (Aug ‘07) about wireless power on a simple scale (to power a 60W bulb from across the room). The science is there, it will be a little more complicated to power a device such as a laptop or other than say a light bulb. The work is being done by a group at Columbia University. It involves setting up a receiver for a specific frequency so the signal doesn’t cause any radiation. Sounds pretty cool
September 25th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
The technology is definitely not at that level yet. I don’t see how the power would be transmitted without something physical to take it to its destination. It seems like it would be a whole lot more simple to use a battery with a solar panel back up that charges it when there’s light. I don’t know how practical that would be though, or if it would even work.