Toshiba Just Months Away From First Fuel Cell Device
by Jaymi Heimbuch, Central Coast, California on 10. 8.08
Photo of Toshiba's prototype fuel cell-powered cell phone via TechOn
We heard last year that Toshiba planned to launch a fuel cell-powered portable media player by late ’08. Well, we’re getting on to late ’08 and we finally have heard news that the company’s first device will be launched sometime between now and the end of March ’09. The breath-holding part is just what that device will be.
We don’t know exactly what device Toshiba will launch – it may be a fuel cell-powered phone shown off at CEATAC last week, or it could be the promised PMP. More likely the phone.
From TechOn:
The prototype exhibited this time is based on an au-branded handset, the W55T, and it used a direct methanol fuel cell. The methanol fuel is charged with a dedicated cartridge. The cartridge can store 50ml of 99.5% methanol, which is enough to charge the mobile phone about 10 times.
I know, it’s a bit disappointing that we're still waiting. We’ve been hearing for years now that this button-battery sized fuel cell technology is on its way. But fuel cell-powered devices really are just right around the corner. The Medis 24/7 power pack is already out and Mobion is rapidly advancing their fuel cell technology. Having more efficient, clean ways to power our gadgets is a dream currently coming true.
So, patience, patience. Toshiba toys with alternative power sources are on their way.
Via TechOn
More on Fuel Cell Devices:
Toshiba Fuel-Cell PMP to Launch in 2008
Third Gen Mobion Chip is 25% More Efficient, That Much Closer to Fuel Cell Powered Gadgets
Part of the delay was owing to Dept of Homeland Security nonsense that has since been resolved.
Ok can someone now explain why a fuel cell is more 'green' than normal batteries?
I agree with echoclerk, the power grid has the potential to be much more efficient at delivering energy than these methanol cartridges. The problem is where the energy is coming from, not how it's delivered. Think of all the transportation waste not to mention physics waste due to these cartridges.