NEC Unveils Methanol-Fueled Laptop

[NerdyDuffman]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...el_cell_laptop

[TheChronoRogue]

Yeah, but from what I've read about fuel cells, they are one time use devices. Which means you're going to need a stock of fuel cells to replace expended carts. And I don't know about you, but I really dont have the room or the will to stock pile fuel cells.

[Redwolf]

Fuel Cels can be 'refueled' if it's the right kind. Problem is, the chemicals needed to do so are usually quite volatile (like, oh, hydrogen or natural gas).

[TheChronoRogue]

But where do u refuel? Are we going to need to bring our laptops to the gas station to get a refill? While I can see the idea being more energy conscience and environmently friendly, is it really practical or cost effective?

I think this really needs to be explored deeper before we all get excited about this as a realistic approach to laptop power.

[Contemplating]

Hey now laptops can have a real self destruct mechanism.

It's not bad enough that you have to pay so much for a laptop, but now they want you to buy batteries for it too??

Although, if it ran on hydrogren, a home reformer might be possible (split tapwater into O2 and H2 using either solar or the power grid)

[Smurfcrusher]

Possible sources would be a jug of methanol (poisonous to drink) form of alcohol. Another possibility is the thin metal butane cylinders used to refill some gas lighters.

[Scott Tiger]

Given the heat my laptop gives off I can safely say that I don't anything explosive or flammable powering it.

Batteries are fine with me thanks. Interesting news though.

[Smurfcrusher]

I've since learned that yes, Methyl Alcohol (methanol) is used in the fuel cell.

Have you used cigarette lighters before? :P

Fuel cells are not an open flame (and so are less dangerous all else equal). They might not take too well to sub-freezing temperatures. This is a design problem that is being worked for cars, as well.

Personally I have no problem trusting those high-powered engineers getting it right. They aren't the type to welcome big lawsuits due to faulty design, etc. If only I could get one for a Sager! Having these much higher energy densities (theoretical at least) paves the way for ever faster more power hungry processors for laptops. As well as brighter displays and the like. Life is good!

Smurfcrusher

[Atomic Rooster]

I wonder if you can overclock it by adding a little nitro-methane to the fuel.

For an even more extreme overclock, add a nitrous injection system to it too!

[Smurfcrusher]

Add some wheels to that puppy and it can drag race! (webcam collision avoidance system?)

Smurfcrusher