Mac portable computing systems are widely used within the education system, but keeping them powered-up at all times could prove to be a problem. For this reason, the Oncore company has launched back in August 2008 the 6-Bay MacBook and iBook Battery Charger, a device that allows users and teaching assistants to recharge up to six batteries, and keep them ready to power their students' Apple notebooks when needed.



According to the manufacturer, the charger automatically detects when a battery is inserted and first interrogates its current state of health before beginning to charge. Once safety is established, the charger then controls, monitors and terminates the charge cycle when charging is either complete or an error is encountered.



The charger is designed with three sets consisting of two charging bays. Each pair of bays will charge one battery at a time, allowing the charger to replenish three batteries simultaneously. Users may insert batteries in any order, since the charging will begin on the first battery inserted in each set. Charging continues on the second inserted battery, once the first inserted battery reaches a full charge. If charging two or more batteries, users will have to insert one into each set to evenly distribute the charging.



The device from Oncore is compatible with the most popular portable Apple systems, including here the MacBook and iBook 12-inch models and the iBook 14-inch model. Unfortunately, though, the recharge time is a pretty long one, namely around 10 hours (typical for six empty, 4400mAh high capacity iBook 14-inch batteries).



The Oncore 6-Bay MacBook and iBook Battery Charger sells for around 400 US dollars per unit, which might prove to be quite a sound investment for those schools where the majority of pupils are using Mac computers.