STEVE HARVEY ON HAVING BIG IDEAS
The Dell Community has contributed: 9369 ideas | promoted 641635 times | 71503 comments

How IdeaStorm Works:

Post Promote Discuss See
610

ULV - Ultra Low Voltage Notebook Computer

610 points posted to Environment, Laptop Power by reg 06/06/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Intel and AMD have both been developing Ultra Low Voltage CPUs, computer chips that run on 1/5 of the power of traditional computer chips. The CPU is a good start, now Dell can work with Intel and / or AMD to develop a FULLY ULV Notebook - ALL the subcomponents using significantly less power than standard notebook systems.

[Gateway's ULV CPU powered notebook.]

Another big component to change is the display, static 'ePaper' notebook screens that can maintain the image even when powered off. Electricity is only used when changing the display, and even then - power only used down to the pixel level, while non-changing pixels consume little or no power at all. Back-Lit by new ULV LEDs, that adjust their intensity based off of a ambient light sensor - using even less power when in a darker room, vs. a sunny patio. The screen size can be 12" widescreen, and still be able to provide a good movie viewing experience. No Hard Drive, No CD Drive - those power hungry components can be put into the ULV notebook docking station. Use Flash drives and USB memory sticks only.

I would imagine a SSD Flash drive equipped notebook that could run for hours off of a single 9 volt battery (rechargeable of course!)

The New ULV Dell Notebook
With an ULV notebook, you can replace the battery with a water powered fuel cell, and cover the notebook screen lid with the new 40%+ efficient solar cells, and have the FIRST 'free power' ULV notebook on the market.

Samsung has been a leader in ULV technology in Korea:












jervis961
06/06/07
Looks very nice.
jorge
06/06/07
See a picture says a thousands .... well says stuff.
kenjennings
06/06/07
... " static 'ePaper' notebook screens that can maintain the image even when powered off. ... Back-Lit by new ULV LEDs, that adjust their intensity based off of a ambient light sensor."

The e-paper type of displays I've read about have been purely reflective and don't need backlighting. Is there something else available?
reg
06/06/07
Dell should work on it :-)
verbatim9
06/07/07
There is a new type of display in the news that touts its ability to use natural light (unlike current LCDs that wash out in bright light), and that can be backlit when light is low...but it isn't a type of e-ink, IIRC.

The idea of using 40% efficient solar cells on the lid is a pipe dream, too, they don't exist: the world record is 39%, and involved using mirrors to shine more light onto the solar cell, not a system that's possible to lug around with you, or cost efficient unless it sits in the sun all day long.

That said, I'm still giving my yes vote, since the main idea of using low voltage CPUs and other high efficiency components is a good one, and I haven't seen a better post on the subject yet.
reg
06/07/07
40% is just the start - they are pushing for more than 45% or even 50%

http://www.physorg.com/news99904887.html< the smaller, multi cell structure:



I recommend Dell contact the manufacturer of these new High Performance Solar Cells and get them into the 'product pipeline' as soon as

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67984<
reg
06/11/07
Via C7-M ULV:

reg
06/11/07
Intel® Core™ Solo ULV CPU in a UMPC:

dell_admin6
07/20/07
Changed status to **UNDER REVIEW**.
brutalnet
Feb 28
Why is it that every time I order an Asian made product the hot Korean girl doesn't come with it? =(
jorge
Feb 28
You obviously made the wrong selection of options.
Please log in to post a comment