http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/ Engadget Comments for Horizon MiniPak personal fuel cell charger hits shelves for $100 http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
If they named it "Horizon," they failed.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
What is "Hydrogento"?

....oh it's "Hydrogen to"...lol

j/k]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Isn't something similar to this the same thing that will power the Terminators?

Uh Oh.....]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Wow ITS NOT FORREAL. The video says 7-8 AA batteries. Not 1000. FREAKIN RIDICULOUS ENGADGET.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Yea, forreal, forreal!]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
I bet they will correct it without an edit note and new visitors will think we are going mad in the comments]]>Jun 16th 2010 3:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 3:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Maybe the difference is that between ACTUAL engergy vs USABLE energy. Its like saying a galon of gasoline should be able to motivate a car 300 miles, but with our inefficient systems we can only get 1/10th of that.

But yes, damn your lies engadget.]]>Jun 16th 2010 3:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/How can you honestly say that they fail. No matter how shitty the name, it's an amazing product. I'm buying one.]]>Jun 16th 2010 4:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 6:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
It isn't supposed to charge a laptop.

It looks like it comes with the charger dohicky, so that's cool.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Yep only 2.5 watts. Fuel cells scale by their power. That means if for example you want 2x the power, you need 2x the fuel cells. Also 2.5W is common for a lot of USB chargers.

Each Hydrostik cartridge (12Wh) is equivalent to a high capacity 2900-3000mah 18650 laptop cell which costs about $15 on Ebay for a brand name one. However, finding a charger that can use 18650 cells isn't that easy, but it is likely cheaper than any other option. Here's a discussion on this:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=252259

Here's a comparison of different options:
Horizon MiniPak
Capacity: 24Wh
Power: 2.5W
Cost: $100
Needs separate HydroFill system ($600!? from a Jan 2010 review) with water to refill the 2 HydroStiks in the system.
http://onlygizmos.com/hydrofill-gives-you-a-green-way-to-charge-your-gadgets/2010/01/

Sanyo eneloop Mobile USB Booster
Capacity: 19Wh (3.7V-5000mah)
Power: 2.5W
Cost: ~$50 new on Amazon
Brand Name Li-ion based USB mobile charger. Recharge the pack using the same system, no separate refiller.

Non-brand name Bix-Power 5V chargers
Capacity: 12.5Wh-170Wh
Power: 2.5W (5V/500mA) - 90W (19V/~6A)
Cost: $50-250
Just some site I found googling mobile USB battery packs. There are the USB chargers and also chargers that can charge full laptops. All of them seem to provide multiple connector options with the charger.
http://www.bixnet.com/5v7libapa.html

Just some consumer advice so people know there other cheaper, more flexible options out there.
]]>Jun 16th 2010 3:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Looking on their website, it says the MiniPak includes the refiller, which is better than what I posted above. Too bad their website seems to be messed up right now, so I can't tell the actual details.]]>Jun 16th 2010 3:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Em, no
The refiller is not included... From their website...
"a home refueling sytem (sic) called "HydroFILL" - sold as a separate accessory for added convenience. "]]>Jun 17th 2010 2:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/"Devices compatible with the MiniPAK include cellphones, but also smartphones, gaming devices, GPS handhelds, small lighting devices and MP3 players."]]>Jun 16th 2010 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Once again. It is a USB charger. It will charge devices that conform to the USB spec.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
I just had a Thai curry...what's your point?]]>Jun 16th 2010 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
an iphone can't do much more ;-)]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/I'm sorry to hear that.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/My cat's breath smells like cat food]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
yeah, I caught that comment too. So which is it? Kinda matters!]]>Jun 16th 2010 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/On the actual website it says
"It's the first fuel cell product to compete on cost with both disposable and rechargeable batteries with just one refillable cartridge supplying as much power over its life as 1000 disposable AA alkaline batteries. Completing the fairytale sustainability pitch, it's also 100% recyclable, uses no heavy metals and there are no toxic liquids involved."]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
"It's the first fuel cell product to compete on cost with both disposable and rechargeable batteries with just one refillable cartridge supplying as much power over its life as 1000 disposable AA alkaline batteries"

Err, pass.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/thanks]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
I'm not a battery guy but I took it to mean that:

1. You charge it for an hour. With that hour charge you get the equivalent charging duration of 7 or 8 AA batteries.
2. You can recharge this thing over and over again until you reach approximately the same usage as 1000 batteries (approx 220 charges) per cartridge.

The real question is how much energy you draw per charge and how does that compare to recharging 7 or 8 AA batteries.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Oops - mean 120 charges.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Like you said, the only real question is the efficiency of the electrolysis and sequestering process and the efficiency of the fuel cell.

That said, I don't think it would be that difficult to match batteries in efficiency.

Can I bring it on an airplane?]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
I put 4 of them in a USB charger (I use a Tekkeon MP1550) and an extra spare 4 batteries in a battery case, and I love it.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
I use Eneloops as well. Haven't gone through a 1000 cycles yet but they are rock solid years after purchasing. Absolutely love them.

I'm all for helping the environment but it has to make economic sense. It's pretty simple right? How much electricity would it cost to charge 8 Eneloops vs the hour it takes to charge the cartridge. If it's roughly equivalent then they might have won me over.]]>Jun 16th 2010 2:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 5:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/]]>Jun 16th 2010 7:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
they should try hydrogen..]]>Jun 16th 2010 3:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/woosh]]>Jun 16th 2010 4:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
woosh.. forreal]]>Jun 16th 2010 4:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/Jun 16th 2010 2:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/
Hopefully they add some more details to the page, and more than one picture. As soon as they do, I'm all over it]]>Jun 16th 2010 1:58PM