This week in technology Benjamin talked about the iPhone and their irreplaceable batteries. At the moment, if your iPhone battery finally gives out from constant use and re-charging, then you have to go a month without a phone after you send your phone in for a replacement because the batteries are not removable. However, the European Union may be solving this problem, for Europe at least. The EU’s “New Batteries Directive” requires that all electronic devices have batteries which are easily and readily removed and replaced, which the current iPhone does not fit. If all goes well, this means a big change in iPhone usability that should make everyone happy.

Benjamin also talked about Super Charge Ion Batteries. These experimental batteries are used in industrial and transportation work right now, but are planned to power Toshiba’s new Notebook, the Dynabook. This battery would charge 90% of the way in just 10 minutes. After that first 10 minutes, reaching full charge takes another half hour, but up until that point, the charging rate is completely linear, gaining a 45% charge in 5 minutes. Additionally, though the battery will begin by only coming standard in the dynabook, it should be able to replace any batter completely normally. Additionally, it will even last longer than traditional batteries, giving a whopping six to seven years per battery. This is a great step in batteries and we can’t see how it goes.

In the e-mails section, Stephen asked about having light spots on his laptop screen, Jane asked about noises coming from her computer when she turns it on, Rich asked for help on Mac vs. PC decisions,   and Marilyn asked whether or not to go to Internet Explorer 8.   Scott was having problems with his computer, of a very general failure nature, but Benjamin tracked it down to the video card based on obscure items.

Benjamin also covered a bulk e-mail that was sent out, and some things not to do with bulk e-mails.  Common items include blind copying everyone, using professional titles, and testing your broadcast message internally before sending it out to 100's of people.

Always vigilant, Benjamin noted the latest permutation of e-mail to try and scam you

Remember to tune in next week and to listen to this week’s show right now by using the links below!