We can hardly believe it but the day has finally arrived: Toshiba just launched the first Dynario fuel-cell for portable consumer electronics. That's right, the
long promised and
highly anticipated direct methanol fuel-cell (DMFC) with dedicated fuel cartridge for on-the-go refueling will go on sale October 29th in Japan for ¥29,800 (about $328) plus another ¥3,150 (about $34) for a set of five, 50ml fuel cartridges. Dynario takes about 20 seconds to fill its 14ml fuel tank with an injection of a concentrated methanol solution at which point it's ready to charge USB-connected devices. Dynario's hybrid structure uses a lithium-ion battery to store enough electricity to charge two typical cellphones, according to Tosh. That works out to be about $1 per recharge, if our calculations are correct, based on the fuel costs alone. We assume the battery can be charged via wall socket power too but this isn't explicitly stated in the press release. The first run consists of only 3,000 units after which Toshiba will gauge consumer reaction before extending the launch outside of Japan. Boy oh boy, a new age in portability has begun.
posted October 22nd 2009 1:55AM
I cannot see how anyone could justify spending over $300 just to recharge their cellphone. If I'm really in need I can always find a cigarette lighter or wall socket somewhere to charge my phone.
The simplest thing to do is just get a phone (like the G1) that you can carry extra batteries for, & they only retail for $25.00 each. Only a fool would waste his money on something like this. Oh, how easy/convenient is it going to be to buy extra refueling carts. Run out of those & what good is this unit??
Not everyone stays in the city. Hikers for example may need Sat Phones, GPSs, or other electronics in the field, and need a way to charge them. In the past they had to carry batteries, but with a charger like this it might work better, particularly if they can get more power per a pound.
I would like to see this work with commodity "fuels" like methylated spirits / isopropynl alcohol / rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid or butane gas of the kind used to charge gas lighters. This is because if you need to buy more of the fuel, you can get it cost-effectively at local supermarkets, convenience stores or service stations rather than haveing to get a supply of the fuel through mail order.
Methanol is a commodity, look in the paint department of your hardware store. As Evan commented, "concentrated methanol" does not exist. If anyone doubts that, I have some "concentrated water" I am willing to sell them.
I'm not sure what people have been waiting for in the portable fuel-cell arena, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't it.
I actually laughed! :D
It's an epic-fail, however a very funny one, so I'm really torn now, which button to press [+] or [-] mmmmm....
Oh god I'm first? Please don't flood my email??? I should screencap and see what e/b/aums thinks of this
wouldn't it be infinitely cooler to just have a small engine as a generator charging your phone? like the small 1-cylinder ones on RC cars. and you can get gasoline anywhere, for a fraction of the price.
I may be a little ill informed but does the revolution really begin? A quick hop over to Wikipedia says methanol will burn in air forming water and carbon dioxide.
Aren't we haven't enough issues with CO2?
The methanol isn't being burned, but yes, the byproducts are water and CO2. I would imagine that the amount of CO2 produced would be less than say a coal burning power plant that sends electricity to a home to charge the device.
The real potential in this technology is a hybrid system where you wouldn't have to worry about recharging your phone, as it would have a small battery plus a fuel cell to keep that battery charged. Just keep refilling with methanol and you would never have to worry about finding a power source to recharge your phone.
Can someone explain to me why this technology is the future and why it's so helpful? I honestly don't get it.
Shopping for and carrying bottles of liquid around doesn't sound convenient. And the power output doesn't seem to be that much greater. Is there promise of it creating much longer lasting power down the road?
Seems like a far bigger revolution will be when solar-charging devices get really efficient. That truly would be convenient - just leave your device or charger in the window. No outlets or liquids required.
Yes they are suppose to be many many times more efficient than batteries, even though this one isn't it seems and therefore we'll have to wait, perhaps the real efficient ones are too risky for the public at large?
I think engadget once had an article about one that would last for months.
@neo look at the top.
People this thing is a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) not an Direct Methane Fuel Cell. Methane chemical formula is CH4, Methanol chemical formula is CH3OH. Methanol is also referred to as wood alcohol. The by-products of the DMFC are CO2 and H20. It is not powered by farts.
PPGMD has it right. This product is more suited to campers/hikers who do not have access to any power source in the middle of a forest, desert, or mountain.
It's not going to replace your spare batteries or regular portable chargers.
You know I could go to home depot and buy a gallon of methanol for $15... Suddenly it becomes more economical. At least until they DRM their methanol.
Ever heard of the 24/7 Xtreme from Medias? T-Mobile is offering it on its accessories site. (MDTL)
HAHAHAHAHA I gave you a +1... people just see "first" and they directly go for the -1 and hating