The Medis Power Pack fuel cell

The hype radar starts bleeping like crazy these days whenever we hear "inexpensive," "disposable," and "consumer" used to describe a new fuel cell. Maybe if this was 2008, but all the same, Medis Technologies really wants us to believe their Medis Power Pack, which should cost between $12 and $20 and ready for release in early 2006, is what we're going to use to charge our devices on the go in the future. (Seriously though, would you just look at that image of their product? That's the best we could find on their site!) Their secret recipe? Sodium borohydride, alcohol, water, and alkaline. Sounds yummy, but is it deliverable? Well, let's just say we hope so.

[Via NY Times]

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

More from the Medis site:

... "the Power Pack's anticipated size of 80 x 55 x 30 mm (3.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches) and weight of 120 grams empty and 200 grams fueled add to its attractiveness and convenience."

http://medistechnologies.com/products.asp?id=132

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

I may just opt to carry the AC adapter that all devices come with, you know, instead of losing 20 bucks. Airports have AC plugs, as do trains, and some planes.

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

I may just opt to carry the AC adapter that all devices come with, you know, instead of losing 20 bucks. Airports have AC plugs, as do trains, and some planes.

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

Sounds kinda cool. I hope those pre-mass production units they plan to ship now (use above link and check the FAQ) are PACKED with power...cause you wont be able to refuel them until 3Q '06...

[Bill S. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

This company has a long history of making promises and not getting products to market. 14 years I believe it is and no revenues.

A few years ago they had a partnership with Sagem that disappeared. They were supposed to of had a product like this back in 2001 or so.

[Dave Lehmer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

That picture looks suspiciously like the motorola battery powered charger I used to have. It was great- it took 3 AA batteries, and it would allow you to charge your cell phone completely using just 3 batteries.

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

I've got a 4 AA battery charger like that for my Zaurus. It's a nifty little work around for not being able to use regular batterys to power/re-charge it.

What I really want is a 2 AA battery pack for my Jornada 720 that is the same size and shape as the LiOn battery.

They made one for the Mobliepro. WHAY NOT THE JORNADA ???

[MaxSMoke @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

Let's see, a Portable, Disposable, Cheap Power Cell... Hmmm, where would I find out of those? Oh ya, A BATTERY! Come on, how is this any different from a Double-A? Is it just the pretty purple plastic, or the Geek-factor of saying "Power Cell" instead of Battery? Wasn't the whole idea that power cells are reusable, not disposable?