What is the Difference Between Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer?

Lithium ion:

The lightest of all metals
The greatest electrochemical potential
The largest energy density for weight.
The load characteristics are reasonably good in terms of discharge.
The high cell voltage of 3.6 volts allows battery pack designs with only one cell versus three.
It is is a low maintenance battery.
No memory and no scheduled cycling is required to prolong the battery's life.
Lithium-ion cells cause little harm when disposed.
It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation.
Cell temperature is monitored to prevent temperature extremes.
Capacity deterioration is noticeable after one year (whether the battery is in use or not).

Lithium Polymer:

Lithium polymer chemistry differentiates itself from Lithium Ion in the type of electrolyte used (a plastic-like film that does not conduct electricity but allows ion exchange – electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms).
The polymer electrolyte replaces the traditional porous separator, which is soaked with electrolyte.
The dry polymer design offers simplifications with respect to fabrication, ruggedness, safety and thin-profile geometry.
Cell thickness measures as little as one millimeter (0.039 inches).
Can be formed and shaped in any way imagined.
Commercial lithium polymer batteries are hybrid cells that contain gelled electrolyte to enhane conductivity.
Gelled electrolyte added to the lithium ion polymer replaces the porous separator. The gelled electrolyte is simply added to enhance ion conductivity.
Capacity is slightly less than that of the standard lithium ion battery.
Lithium ion polymer finds its market niche in wafer-thin geometries, such as PDA batteries.
Improved safety – more resistant to overcharge; less chance for electrolyte leakage.