This week, we've seen two new additions to our list of "Ways To Remove Batteries From Our Lives".

The first was Logitech's new wireless solar-powered keyboard, as seen above. The "K750" boasts the ability to not only charge up using sunlight, but also indoors with artificial light. A Logitech Solar App also shows how much battery life you have left, and how much power you're gaining from nearby light-sources.

Meanwhile, thanks to Taiwan-based AU Optronics, we're seeing Logitech's solar keyboard idea being taken to the extreme. AUO is planning to release a solar-powered keyboard embedded into laptops that acts as a secondary laptop battery. It has the same ability as the K750 to charge from both indoor and outdoor light-sources. As seen on the picture to the right, the keyboard looks somewhat reflective like a solar panel, but with the letters showing as mere outlines. This touch-panel may require some getting used to, as conventional buttons are being replaced.

Although the solar-power should only act as a back-up battery, many consumers are still wondering if, and when, solar power will completely replace normal lithium-ion (and other materials) batteries that serve as today's backbone for electronics.

Source: Logitech's K750, AUO's solar keyboard

The new X-37B unmanned space shuttle launched today and will be remotely controlled. What’s interesting is that the X37B electronics is powered by lithium-ion batteries and solar cells. This replaces the traditional craft that uses a fuel cell system to generate power. Li-ion batteries have great energy to weight ratios, a slow loss of charge and a large capacity for power.