If the only good battery (was a dead battery)
Happened to listen to the news, this evening, and came away with the impression that we’re heading into the dark ages. At least, if you happen to use battery operated devices while away from home.
The airlines are putting the rest of us on notice: they don’t like fires on board, in particular those triggered by the omnipresent Li-ion battery pack. And just in case you think that a suggested ban wouldn’t affect you, do a quick inventory.
Your cellphone, your laptop, your tablet, in fact, just about everything you have that doesn’t require a constant replenishment of AA cells (non-rechargeable, to be sure), is coming under scrutiny. The FAA and its counterpart up here are considering an outright interdiction on transport by air. One, more lenient, official suggested that a battery charged to NO MORE than 30% capacity might pass the gates.
Seriously, when you tell Joe Bizziness that he will have to abandon his personal computer and travel with a discharged iPhone, be ready for mutiny in the ranks. Who would take the time to inspect every battery? (Although, we do show off our socks, so anything is possible).
Now, I don’t travel, much. No place to go by air, etc. But when I verified my gadgets, (already aware of the answer), seeing that my camera and laptop and SIM-free cellphone would all fail such a rule change, I took note. A return to the days of a notebook and pencil would cramp my connected existence. I’ll be keeping an eye on the debate (all the while checking for telltale traces of smoke around the house).
