February 29, 2008 11:38 AM PST

Blu-ray and laptop battery just don't mix

Posted by Darius Chang
(Credit: Crave Asia)

Now that the format war is over, with Blu-ray lording over the stinking corpse that was HD-DVD, some of you might be eager to upgrade your laptop drive to the winning technology.

Wired, however, strongly advises against this. The power consumption of a Blu-ray drive running at full-tilt while playing a movie is so draining that you can barely make it halfway through the show. To overcome this, you need to be close to a power outlet, or buy a laptop with extended cell option.

We feel the same way, too. Moreover, there is the added complication that Blu-ray v1.0 does not play nice with the upcoming Blu-ray v2.0. This means the oh-so-expensive drive you are getting for your portable could be obsolete even before you take it out of its packaging. So put that wallet back in your pants and wait just a little longer.

(Source: Crave Asia)

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 9 comments (Page 1 of 1)
Blu-ray incompatibility?
by Wes#1 February 29, 2008 12:02 PM PST
Here we go, dumping on Blu-ray again... If you are just crowing about "features" of 2.0 (disc extras like links to download more trailers and pop-up talking heads for commentaries) not accessible to a 1.0 player, well, that's a given and hardly a problem. Those who just want to play the movie and open the standard set of extras should not have any issues with a 1.0 player. As for the battery issue... yeah, if I'm going to get into a 2-hour movie, I might want to plug in the laptop. Or better, if I'm going to do ANYTHING that takes a couple of hours on a laptop, I'd best be near a power outlet.
Reply to this comment View all 2 replies
I Hardly Consider that Dumping on Blu-Ray
by PressAnyKey February 29, 2008 12:31 PM PST
Chill out. It's just a bit of "buyer beware." It's new tech and could have issues. I watch a lot of movies on my laptop so I want the interactive features to work. Also since I watch movies while on a plane I really don't want to be switching out batteries after an hour or so... The message I take from the article is adding a BR drive to my existing laptop may not prove to be worth the expense. I appreciate the advice.
Reply to this comment
HD Format war is not over yet! We've got HD-VMD
by Citroen Tech February 29, 2008 9:38 PM PST
Hello Cravers, The HD Format war isn't quiet over yet! We now got BLu-Ray vs. HD VMD(by New Medium Enterprises)! Check this format out here: http://www.nmeinc.com/ -and- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versatile_Multilayer_Disc -and- http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/nme-says-the-format-war-is-still-on-it-totally-made-out-with-a/ Old Red-Laser Tech is used in it while still gaining 1080p 'full hd'! Enjoy! :)!
Reply to this comment
Profile compliance: Software, not the drive.
by kamiller42 March 1, 2008 10:04 AM PST
The drive simply reads the disc. It is up to the software player to implement the different profiles, not the drive. Anything else, like this blog entry, is FUD. Poor "journalism."
Reply to this comment
Another benefit of desktop computers...
by john55440 March 2, 2008 1:18 PM PST
I find it strange that some people who buy notebook computers never leave the house with them. If you're into movies, desktop computers don't have power issues, and larger screens are available. Desktop computer are also more cost effective, more reliable, cheaper to repair, have larger keyboards, are more expandable...
Reply to this comment
by MandoPerez March 28, 2008 8:41 AM PDT
It's all in the software. Case in point...the PS3. Sony has already announced that the PS3 will be 2.0 profile compliant with a software upgrade. No need to "swap" out the physical drive. I agree with "poor journalism"...get the facts right before posting "facts."
Reply to this comment
by NeedbatteryUS April 8, 2008 1:15 AM PDT
NeedBattery.com is the ultimate source for batteries, adapters and accessories at rock bottom prices. You will always be able to find the top selling brands at discounted prices. Our top selling batteries are for laptops, digital cameras and cordless phones. At NeedBattery.com, we take pride in making your battery search easy. Browse By Category AA/AAA Rechargeables MiniDisc Walkman Alkaline Monitor Barcode Scanners Mp3 Players Camcorders Palmtop Cellular Phones PDA Cordless Phones Portable DVD Player Desktop Computers Power Tools Digital Cameras Printer Flashlight Two way radio Laptops UPS Devices
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