So far, automakers are keen on fuel cell technology and several big automakers are working on fuel cell-powered cars right now. Honda is one of these carmakers and has its FCX fuel cell vehicles on the streets for testing already. Today fuel cell technology isn't a viable option for the consumer, but in the future charging your notebook computer could be outdated. Panasonic has now developed the first fuel cell that will fit into the battery compartment of a notebook computer. The fuel cell, which the Japanese company has been developing for the last eight years, was first shown at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2006. At that time it was about double the size of a laptop battery, but the latest version, due to be unveiled later this week at an event in Japan, is half the size. The fuel cell reportedly could power your average laptop for 20 hours on 200cc of highly concentrated methanol. When you start to run low, all you would need to do is squirt some more methanol into the cell to keep working.

Panasonic claims that the new version has a volume of 270 cubic centimeters and can deliver an average power of 10 watts with a peak output of 20 watts. It weighs 320 grams. On a 200cc charge of methanol, it should be able to deliver power for 20 hours. Panasonic expects to have them on the market by the end of 2012.

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