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[BigBlackEquus]

http://computerworld.com.sg/ShowPage.aspx?pagetype=2&articleid=849&pubid=3&issueid=45

Another technology that hardware makers will consider adding to future laptops is fuel-cell batteries. These are able to generate electricity from a reaction between methanol, water and air and are instantly rechargeable with a new cartridge of methanol. Prototypes from several companies have been able to provide about enough power to run a lap top for 10 hours on a single cartridge and, because the cartridges are small, several could easily be carried in a bag or pocket.

But the problem is cost. These batteries will be much more expensive than existing alternatives, Hsu said. "With the cost-down trend, how do you put a two-times or three-times more expensive battery cell inside a laptop?" he asked.

Instead of fuel cells, Hsu would like to see lithium-ion batteries that could be fully charged in under 30 minutes. One possible option is a fast charging lithium-ion battery now under development by Toshiba, which can be charged to about 80 percent of its capacity in 1 minute.

[mindmetoo]

Butane and methanol are two possible fuel cell types. The other problem is airplanes. When everyone has highly flammable butane and methanol on planes, what is the danger? Airlines aren't sure how they're going to deal with that.

[BigBlackEquus]

I was wondering that, too. Not sure that one would go over well with the public. Or the airlines!

I was excited about the last few lines of that.... the lithium battery that charges most of the way in under 5 minutes. Man, I would have to think that'd get warm!