We all use rechargeable batteries everyday in everything from cell phones, to razors, to hybrid cars, to power tools. It is SO frustrating to be working on a project and discover that your rechargeable tool is out of juice. Now you have to either wait hours for the battery to charge, use hand tools (which can take forever depending on the job), or not get your project done on time. There is always talk of the next big thing in battery technology that seems to be perpetually around the corner. Well, the wait may be over… for the small scale anyway.

I just read in the current issue of Discover magazine that there are two new capacitor gadgets out on the market. A bike light and a cordless screw driver. I am REALLY excited about the screwdriver. It’s made by Coleman, and has a recharge time of 90 seconds. Seriously, that is unbelievable. I have spent so much time waiting for hand drill batteries to recharge that it makes me edgy just writing about it. 90 seconds! Instead of a battery this driver has an ultracapacitor inside which, like all capacitors, has the ability to take a charge very quickly. You can learn more about it at flashcelldriver.com

Charges in 90 seconds! That’s right… 90 SECONDS!!!

The bike light is pretty cool too. It has a capacitor in it, and gets its charge from a magnet attached to the wheel of your bike. Every time the magnet goes by it allows the light to generate a little electricity. There are two models, one that flashes, and one that stays on continuously while you ride, and for a short time when you stop. Learn more at reelight.com

I should point out that I have not seen either of these devices in person.  I am relying on Discover magazine and the manufacturer’s websites, but even so, I’m pretty impressed.  Capacitors are still not useful for larger, more power-intensive machines like hybrid cars, but researchers are working on it.