Batteries and Power
104 episodes · Page 4 of 5
#2252: Why Lithium-Ion Won (And What's Next)
How the physics of lithium made it the king of batteries, and the engineering breakthroughs—from silicon anodes to solid-state cells—that are pushi...
#2124: The Flashlight You Actually Need
Most cheap flashlights fail when you need them most. Here’s what to buy instead.
#2101: Why USB-C Handshakes Hate Solar Power
Cheap solar chargers often fail to charge devices due to USB-C handshake issues and heat inefficiencies.
#1937: Debunking Battery Myths: Memory Effect and the 80% Rule
The "memory effect" is dead. Here's why charging to 80% is the new rule for phone and EV battery longevity.
#1935: The Charger Graveyard: How to Avoid Buying a Fire Hazard
Stop plugging in mystery chargers! Learn how to spot safe, smart chargers that won't fry your batteries—or your house.
#1801: Why Hospitals Still Use Pagers in 2026
Despite 5G and smartphones, pagers persist in critical infrastructure. Discover the physics and reliability behind this "legacy" tech.
#1598: The Battery Bottleneck: Why Your Phone Still Dies by 10 PM
We have 2nm chips and 240W charging, but battery capacity hasn't grown in a decade. Here is why the "week-long battery" remains a myth.
#1061: Why a Brain Cell Beats a Microchip
Can a petri dish play Pong? Discover how "wetware" is using living brain cells to redefine the future of energy-efficient computing.
#940: Ergonomics Under Fire: Building a Command Center in a War Zone
Stop hunching over your laptop. Learn how to build a pro-grade, ergonomic workstation that fits in your backpack without breaking your back.
#921: When Your Power Bank Lies: Urban Survival and Real Capacity
When seconds count, your gear can't fail. Learn the technical truth about power bank capacity, efficiency, and urban survival reliability.
#896: The Hidden Trap of Power Allocation
Stop settling for slow charging. Learn how GaN 6 and high-wattage hubs are redefining bedside power and reliability for 2026.
#875: The Single-Ear Solution: Audio for Situational Awareness
Discover why a dedicated mono earbud is the ultimate tool for situational awareness while parenting or multitasking.
#826: The VESA Nightmare: Fixing Threads in a Sealed PSU
When monitor mount threads fall into a sealed power supply, DIY becomes a rescue mission. Learn how to fix blind holes without opening the case.
#825: Right to Repair Meets Snap-Fit Hell
Think unplugging a monitor makes it safe to open? Think again. Learn the professional secrets to prying cases and avoiding lethal shocks.
#784: The Hidden Cost of Labeling Fever
Stop feeding your power-hungry tools a diet of alkalines. Learn how to switch your whole home to sustainable, high-performance rechargeables.
#773: The Charging Standard Wars: Why Your Cables Keep Betraying You
Stop carrying a brick for every device. Learn how USB-C and Power Delivery are finally creating the "one cable to rule them all" reality.
#771: Beyond Backups: The High Stakes of Critical Redundancy
How do hospitals and data centers stay online during a disaster? Explore the engineering of "five nines" and the limits of redundancy.
#726: Decoding IP Ratings: What Waterproof Really Means
Don’t let marketing buzzwords ruin your gear. Learn what IP ratings actually mean and how to protect your outdoor electronics from the elements.
#657: When Your Dashboard Is a Solar Cooker
Don't let your car's tech melt this summer. Herman and Corn reveal how to choose an Android head unit that survives the heat without lagging.
#642: Why Your Car Is a Hostile Computer
Think building a PC is hard? Try wiring a car. Herman and Corn explain how to upgrade your ride’s tech without frying the CAN bus.
#637: The Motherboard Decisions That Make or Break a Decade-Long Build
Don't let your motherboard be an afterthought. Herman and Corn dive into VRMs, PCB layers, and the DDR5 debate for home servers.
#562: The BIFL PC: Building for Industrial-Grade Durability
Can a PC be "Buy It For Life"? Herman and Corn explore how to source industrial-grade components for a build that stands the test of time.
#541: The Hidden Rules That Move Your Batteries
Why are loose batteries a "no-go" for shipping? Herman and Corn explore the volatile science and strict laws behind lithium-ion logistics.
#520: The Truth About Lumens and CRI
Stop buying cheap plastic lights. Herman and Corn break down how to find a headlamp that lasts a lifetime, from CRI to aerospace-grade aluminum.