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LG batteries about to get expensive (National Public Radio Marketplace) |
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A fire this month at an LG chemical plant in South Korea is expected to
raise the price of LG batteries used in computers. Stacey Vanek-Smith
reports the shortage could have far-reaching consequences.
Doug Krizner: You may think computer batteries have a short life, but it
looks like they are going to be in short supply. A fire this month at an LG
chemical plant in South Korea could leave laptop makers scrambling. Stacey
Vanek-Smith has more.
Stacey Vanek-Smith: The LG battery shortage is expected to affect laptop
supplies and prices for the next several months. But it will hit the lower
end of the market especially hard, says tech writer Om Malik.
Om Malik: I don't think it impacts the higher end laptops, because those
guys are buying stuff from some of the higher-end battery makers like Sony
and Panasonic.
There are lots of battery makers, but demand is higher than ever. And not
just for computer batteries.
A possible shortage could have far-reaching consequences, says tech
consultant Tim Bajarin.
Tim Bajarin: Those kind of batteries are being used, you know, in a lot of
hybrids, and the crossover of incredible demand all of a sudden for this
type of battery technology has taken its toll.
HP and Dell are reportedly bracing for shortages. Supplies aren't likely to
get back to normal until the summer. Dell has already announced higher
prices for replacement battery packs.
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