Fuel Cell Phones

Written by: Samuel K. Sloan (FarPoint Media Executive News Director)

First came talk of using fuel cells to run automobiles, and they are already in use at NASA to run some of its equipment in space and on the ground. Now, fuel cell technology will be running your cell phone - truly cell technology on the cellular level - Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

These new cell phones from NEC are touted to be safe on airliners, but it is still a question on whether or not airport security will allow them on a plane, and they are small, portable and user friendly.

Currently the company has a fuel cell driven phone that looks a lot like a transparent cigarette lighter, only a tad larger. Touted as the “NEC Flask Cell Phone,” the device boasts of a touchscreen, comes in several liquid pastel colors [most likely ethanol-based] that hopefully won’t explode in your pocket or purse under high heat or extreme pressure.

My rating on these new phones? I like the idea of a BIC-styled look to the cell phone, but Grandma was right - gasseous liquid and electronics in a flimsy plastic case - BAD IDEA!.

But, if you must have one then look for them in stores sometime in 2009.

Speaking of phones. Engadget also features an article about a rumored Dell Android Phone. Check it out.