Samsung to launch a Laptop That ‘Runs a Month’

Samsung is taking fuel cell technology for notebooks to the next level by showcasing a new DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) dock that can power a Q35 ultraportable notebook for 8 hours a day for a full month. According to Samsung press release, the fuel cell has an energy density of 650Wh/L and total energy storage of 1,200Wh.

Samsung has also made many improvements to its fuel cell system that reduces noise levels. The South Korean electronics giant made the demonstration on its Sense Q35 laptop. Assuming a laptop usually runs for eight hours a day five days a week, the fuel cell can operate it for a month.

The fuel cell system is also said to be very quiet, the level of noise emitted being close to an actual laptop. Although fuel cell batteries have been demonstrated before, the mass production was hindered by the noise and the dimensions and weight of such devices, which would cancel the notion of “portability” for laptops. Samsung is also prepping a mini version of the fuel cell which uses around a coffee cup's worth of fuel, but can still power a laptop for over 15 hours.

Samsung plans to mass-produce the new energy system sometimes at the end of 2007, when all the safety standards are ready.