From: "Rich Gauszka" 

But will they explode as well in a laptop as previous batteries? 

http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/31939/113/

Researchers of the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory claim
to have developed an enhanced approach to building of rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries.

Scheduled for an unveiling at the meeting of the Electrochemical Society
today, the new technology is based on a "manganese-rich"
nano-crystalline, layered-composite structure that is used as material for
the positive electrode. According to an early announcement, the researchers
are using a uses a two-component "composite" structure: An active
component for charge storage is embedded in an inactive component that
stabilizes the structure.

First test results are promising: The scientists claim that the new
materials yielded record charge-storage capacities of more than 250 mAh/g
or more than twice the capacity of materials used in rechargeable lithium
batteries today.  In addition to the capacity advantage, the presenters
also say that manganese-rich systems are cheaper to manufacture than
today's cobalt and nickel versions of lithium batteries.

According to a press release, the technology could be used in virtually all
lithium-based rechargeable batteries - and improve the battery life for
example in consumer electronics, laptops, medical devices and even hybrid
electric vehicles.

It was unclear if and when the technology could go into mass production.

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