I thought maybe some of you battery fans might be interested in the
article below which was on CityTV Toronto today on a local news website.

Cathy

"October 25, 2005,

Canon is working on a new way to power high-tech devices that could
spell the end of traditional batteries.

The Japanese company has developed small fuel cells for use in some of
its digital cameras and computer printers - it hopes to have the
technology ready for the market in three years.

Toshiba, NEC and Hitachi are also working on similar fuel cell batteries
for the next wave of consumer electronics - which could be used in
mobile devices, phones, and laptop computers.

Fuel-cell technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate
electricity, and is seen as a likely replacement for today's models of
lithium-ion batteries.

Canon is one of the globe's top manufacturers of photocopiers and
cameras - it's looking for new areas of growth as the digital camera
market begins to cool down.

While most current fuel cell development employs devices that take
hydrogen from methanol, Canon wants to be able to supply hydrogen
directly from a refillable cartridge.

The company argues the system would be more earth-friendly, since
deriving hydrogen from methanol gives off a byproduct of carbon dioxide.
Hydrogen-only fuel cells don't.

There are three prototypes so far, of different sizes - the largest
would likely be used in a printer, the next would fit a digital camera,
and the smallest - measuring only 3 cm by 4 cm - is meant for smaller
mobile devices.

Another potential benefit to fuel cell batteries is that they're
expected to last longer than their lithium-ion counterparts.

Still, it could be awhile before they make it to market - the prototypes
have to be tested, and Canon still has to decide how to sell it,
although it'll probably entail refilling the cartridges at company
outlets. "

CityTV, Toronto,Canada.