Notebook Computer Owners Want Greener, Better Batteries

SAUSALITO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thirty six percent of notebook computer owners are willing to pay more for batteries that are better for the environment. That finding is reflected in a survey conducted by Harris Interactive^® and released today on behalf of Boston-Power, Inc., the rapidly growing provider of Lithium-ion batteries that redefine portable power.

“The good news is that the survey indicates that users are generally happy with their laptops. The great news is that there are opportunities to improve user experience – to the mutual benefit of consumers, vendors and the environment.”

Among other highlights revealed in the survey:

40 percent of notebook computer owners are only somewhat satisfied or not at all satisfied with the performance of their notebook computer batteries.
About half of notebook computer owners (51 percent) would pay more for a battery that came with a two-year warranty.
40 percent of consumers who have owned their notebook for 3 years or more have replaced the battery as many as 5 times.
About half of notebook computer owners (54 percent) would pay more for a battery that recharged more quickly.
The quality of the battery (92 percent), the screen (92 percent) and processing power (93 percent) are important or very important features to consumers.
Notebook owners have employed a range of methods to dispose of notebook computer batteries, including manufacturer-related disposal (7 percent), recycling centers (6 percent), exchanging where the replacement was purchased (6 percent) and placing in a bin at a retail outlet (5 percent). Conversely, 4 percent discarded the battery in the trash.

“Notebook computers are among our most important devices – whether we’re using them for work or leisure activities,” said Boston-Power Founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud. “The good news is that the survey indicates that users are generally happy with their laptops. The great news is that there are opportunities to improve user experience – to the mutual benefit of consumers, vendors and the environment.”

Boston-Power is one of the world’s most closely watched energy storage companies and is among the firms that have earned a ranking on the AlwaysOn 2008 GoingGreen Top 100 list. Dr. Lampe-Onnerud will share her insights about next-generation battery technology during the AlwaysOn GoingGreen conference panel, Energy Storage Innovations, today at 8:00 a.m. PDT.

Boston-Power’s Sonata is the longest lasting, fastest charging, safest and most environmentally sustainable Lithium-ion battery. Initially targeting notebook computers, Sonata delivers like-new performance for three years versus current batteries that start to fade in just three to six months. An energy storage solution designed to be capable of benefitting a wide range of products – from notebook computers and consumer electronics to hybrid and electric vehicles – Sonata has earned first-of-its-kind certifications by top environmental groups in Europe and China.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Lampe-Onnerud at AlwaysOn GoingGreen, or to schedule a phone interview, please contact Chris Carleton with CHEN PR (ccarleton@chenpr.com; 857-891-2989/mobile or 781-672-3115/office).

About the Survey

Harris Interactive conducted the online survey on behalf of Boston-Power between September 2 and September 4, 2008 among 2,336 U.S. adults ages 18+, of whom, 1,347 currently own a laptop computer. Data were weighted to be representative of the population of U.S. adult computer users. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Brad Baker with CHEN PR (bbaker@chenpr.com; or 781-672-3118/office or 315-491-2353/mobile).

About Boston-Power

Boston-Power, Inc. is an emerging portable power company answering the call for safer, longer lasting Lithium-ion batteries – today. Led by Founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, a recognized authority in the battery industry, the company is backed by leading venture capital firms Oak Investment Partners, Venrock, GGV Capital and Gabriel Venture Partners. Boston-Power’s innovative systems approach to portable power and application-specific batteries starts with safety, while achieving next-generation performance gains. Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts and has Six Sigma-level manufacturing operations in Greater China.

About Harris Interactive^®

Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research, powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

“Boston-Power^®” and “Sonata^™” are trademarks of Boston-Power, Inc. Other brand names or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.