Finally, Panasonic showcased their new DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) powered laptop at CES 2006. This laptop is said to get 20 hours out of a full tank of fuel (about 6 3/4 ounces). Although its DMFC power hardware is still a bit bigger than a typical battery pack, it is indeed half the size of comparable devices which are available.
DMFCs typically work by electrochemically convert fuel into electricity, without the combustion process that dooms regular engines to inefficiency, have been promoted as an alternative to the lithium ion batteries used in notebook PCs and other portable electronics gear. DMFCs are useful because power can be obtained instantly by inserting a fuel cartridge recharger. At the current stage, Panasonic is still undecisive about how the full cell cartridges will be sold, or if they will be disposable or returnable for recharge.
See also: DMFC related articles
Via: CNET
2006-01-12 19:12
Wow! Bright idea to create such cartridges. Still it makes sence if they will be quite cheap.