Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Fuel Cells for Laptop Computers

Posted by Hemos on from the interesting-ideas dept.

ArbiterOne writes "An article in PC World states that the company MTI Micro Fuel Cells plans to demonstrate a new technology this week that could pave the way for better power technology for laptop and palmtop computers. The article claims that this new technology could provide a battery life 2.5 times greater than that of a lithium-ion battery. Could this be the solution to the problem of short battery life in high-end notebooks?"

10 of 266 comments (clear)

  1. Short battery life solved... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Could this be the solution to the problem of short battery life in high-end notebooks?

    Yes, and with their safety record it could cause the problem of short user life in high-end notebooks.

  2. Solution to short battery life by SpaceCadetTrav · · Score: 5, Funny

    Stop playing games on the company laptop.

    --
    Life in Orange County
  3. Uh... by Paulrothrock · · Score: 5, Funny
    Call me a luddite, but I don't really want hot electronic components sitting next to pressurize, flamable gas.

    I like my pubic hair, thankyouverymuch.

    But seriously, will this be available in time for current computers (like my brand-new Powerbook) to be able to upgrade to a fuel cell power source?

    --
    I'm in the hole of the broadband donut.
  4. A friendly reminder from Smokey the Bear... by GillBates0 · · Score: 5, Funny
    When using your MTI Micro Fuel Cell based laptop at the campgrounds, always practice safety. Surround your laptop with rocks to keep the fire from spreading. Be sure when you're done with your laptop to put it out with a bucket of water and make sure it has stopped smoking before you leave the area.

    Remember what Smokey the Bear says. Only you can prevent your MTI Micro Fuel Cell based laptop from starting a forest fire.

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
  5. Re:The nice thing about "normal" batteries... by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    Only on Slashdot

    The last thing I need to be doing is wandering around vegas at three in the morning trying to find some hydrogen to power my notebook

    During my 3am Vegas wanderings, it sure wouldn't be hydrogen that I'm looking for.

    --
    Best Windows Freeware
  6. It's bound to happen by Stephen+Samuel · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can just see someone cycling up to a petro-can Station pulling out a steaming laptop and yelling 'Filler up fast! I'm being slashdotted!'

    --
    Free Software: Like love, it grows best when given away.
  7. Re:RTFA it uses methanol for its hydrogen source.. by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't know how easily you could find methanol, but *ethanol* is darn easy to come by. :) The new teenage slogan would become, "No, mom, I swear, it's for my computer!"

    --
    I just invaded Grammar Czechoslovakia and duped Grammar Neville Chamberlain; now it's on to Grammar Poland.
  8. Re:Methanol toxicity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, we should stick with safe, nutritious lithium ion batteries.

  9. excess water by apachetoolbox · · Score: 5, Funny

    Over the course of the operating period, the amount of excess water released will not be noticeable to the user, he says.

    great, now laptops can pee on us :D

  10. Re:The nice thing about "normal" batteries... by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 5, Funny

    By themselves, they won't cost very much. But I would expect them to also be equipped with some sort of authentication system, so as to prevent unscrupulous third parties from ruining your name brand system with inferior IP.

    And, of course, the initial fuel cells supplied with the laptop will only be half full.