Sanho Announces HyperMac Line Of External MacBook Batteries
Sanho has introduced the HyperMac line of external MacBook battery packs, which work with the entire Apple MacBook family of notebook computers, including all MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, to keep them going long after their internal battery has drained.
Available in 4 different capacities of 60Wh, 100Wh, 150Wh and 222Wh, the external battery is capable of powering the MacBook for up to a claimed 32 hours. Sanho also offers the HyperMac car charger which powers and recharges the MacBook directly from the automobile cigarette slot.
Every HyperMac battery is compatible with all MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models courtesy of proprietary variable power technology which enables the battery to adjust the charging power automatically when connected to different MacBook models. For maximum compatibility, HyperMac charging cables are spliced with the original Apple MagSafe connectors. Not only does HyperMac provides power for the MacBook, it charges the internal battery as well.
Users can check the HyperMac battery level anytime with the built-in 4-stage lighted LED indicator. HyperMac battery also comes with a USB power port to charge any USB device including the latest iPhone 3G individually or simultaneously with the MacBook.
Now an external power supply is quite attractive to field recordists, live performers and anyone who uses their laptop for extended periods away from an outlet. However, certain questions immediately came to mind when the HyperMac product line was announced, so we asked Daniel Chin, President of Sanho Corporation, a few questions.
Q: Who has substantiated the battery life claims of the Hypermac power products? Are these simply your claims, or has a third party achieved the same results?
A: “Our battery numbers are extrapolated from Apple’s own figures. For example, Apple claims that the MacBook Air’s 37Wh internal battery is capable of 4.5 hours of wireless productivity. Since our 222Wh battery is 6 times the capacity of the MBA’s internal battery, it is fair to assume that wireless productivity will extend by 6 times to give 27 hours. Hence a full charge MBA and our 222Wh battery would achieve up to 31.5 hours of runtime. Apple has their own scientific method of determining how much power (Wh) is required to operate their MacBooks. We stand by the capacity ratings of our battery cells. Lithium ion battery cells are a widespread technology, industry experts can determine if our battery capacity ratings is possible or not by looking at the weight and dimensions.”
HyperMac claims its batteries are the same high-end lithium ion cells that are supplied to the U.S. military. It is rechargeable up to 1000 times and comes with a one-year warranty – comparing to industry standards of only 300 recharges and 3 months warranty.
We inquired about the power cables, which are listed on HyperMac’s side for a whopping $100…
Q: Do the power cables come with the products?
A: “Yes, each battery comes with a charging cable.”
Q: But if you lose the included cable, you’re required to buy another for $100. Why are the power cables so expensive?
A: “The MagSafe power connector is patented by Apple. Since Apple did not license the MagSafe technology to 3rd parties, in order not to infringe upon Apple’s IP, we have to obtain the original MagSafe connector from the original MacBook AC adapter. We remove the adapter and splice in our plug that interfaces with our battery. The bulk of the power cable cost comes from obtaining the original AC adapter retails for $80.”
Q: Will the HyperMac power products have any adverse effect on the internal Mac battery?
A: “By using the original MacSafe power connector, we are assured of maximum compatibility. When connected to HyperMac, MacBook behaves as it is connect to AC power. Not only does HyperMac powers the MacBook, it charges the internal battery as well. In fact, usage of HyperMac over time will prolong the lifespan of the MacBook internal battery, since it is used with less frequency to power the MacBook. Considering that MacBooks are moving towards the trend of having unibody casings with built-in and non-user removable batteries, HyperMac offers a great solution to easily extend battery life and prolong the lifespan of such difficult to replace internal batteries.”
Q: Many music applications are processor/harddrive intensive, can HyperMac’s be counted on to provide enough juice to support critical creative-flow opportunities and capturing once in a lifetime recordings?
A: “I always recommend the 222Wh battery to my professional customers. It has the highest capacity to weight, [as well as] capacity to cost ratio, and designed to power the MacBook for the entire day, more than 20 hours, surely more than sufficient for any gig. 2-5 of these and you will be set for days [for field recording in the wild].”
Q: How long does it take to fully recharge a HyperMac battery?
A: “It would take 3.7 hours to full charge a 222Wh. 2.5 hours for 150Wh. 4.15 hours for 100Wh. 2.5 hours for 60Wh. 100Wh & 60Wh take longer because they are using an AC adapter with a smaller power rating.”
Specifications:
» Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.78 x 0.83″ (60Wh); 7.48 x 4.92 x 0.8″ (100Wh); 8.9 x 4.92 x 0.83″ (150Wh); 10.1 x 5.91 x 1.34″ (222Wh)
» Weight: 0.8 lb (60Wh); 1.6 lbs (100Wh); 2.4 lbs (150Wh); 4.7 lbs (222Wh)
» Battery: Lithium ion
» 4 stage LED battery level indicator lights
» USB 5V/1A power out
The HyperMac battery and car charger are now available for pre-order and will be shipping later this month for $149.95 (car charger), $199.95 (60-watt-hour battery), $299.95 (100Wh), $399.95 (150Wh) and $499.95 (222Wh). More information on the Sanho HyperMac Line of external batteries.
