As Fuel Cell batteries finally seem to be coming to life in the consumer world, laptop users may finally be able to cut the tether to the nearest outlet.  Imagine a world of running a notebook computer all day long - or even two! - without the need to recharge or change batteries.  This is a taste of what fuel cells will offer the world of laptop computing. 

Fuel cells differ from common Lithium Ion batteries in that they don't store energy, but rather generate it by breaking down the methanol fuel contained inside.  Once used-up, the methanol can be refilled for continued reuse of the fuel cell.  The reality of the fuel cell has been a slow one to market, and so the industry is weary of its likely-hood.  But the recent drop of a ban to carry such fuel cells on airlines may help to break down such barriers.