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NEC Unveils Methanol-Fueled Laptop

Posted by timothy on from the note-methanol-not-methadone dept.

genericplacebo writes "Japanese computer giant NEC Corp. Monday revealed a prototype of a laptop computer that runs on a methanol fuel cell instead of a rechargeable battery, and said it will start selling it next year. NEC initially plans to introduce a computer with a fuel-cell system able to run for five consecutive hours on a single cartridge of methanol fuel, but also plans to make a PC within two years that can run continuously for as long as 40 hours."

2 of 363 comments (clear)

  1. Fuel Cell = RIP off by rkz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Some might think that fuel cell is the greatest thing since Lithium Ion batteries but its really another way of getting money out of the poor consumer. The current range of IBM R40 centrino notebooks can provide you with 4 hours of battery life.

    Laptop makers are looking for the high profit margins that ink jet printer manufacturers enjoy. How much will these full cell cartrages cost? Around $5 a pop? Thats absurd, wouldn't you rather recharge the fucking thing!

    --
    There is no god
  2. Start lobbying Congress now... by erroneus · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...I can see where these fuel cells will find their way onto the "Prohibited Items" list at airports all over the USA.

    As it stands, even simple Bic lighters are prohibited and will be confiscated from all checked baggage... I can only imagine what they'd do with a methanol cartridge.