Toshiba's Fuel Cell is Quick But Expensive

Fuel cells are often touted as a green solution to our power needs. They can generate power instantly and the only by-product is water. However, the technology is not yet ready for mass production. But lucky for you, early adopters, Toshiba is selling a fuel cell.

For $275, you can have this tiny fuel cell that can produce enough power in 20 seconds to charge two cell phones. The power is stored in lithium batteries and you transfer it to your gadgets via USB.

Sounds great, right? To power the fuel cell you need methanol vials which Toshiba provides at $30 a pop. As if the price wasn’t bad enough, this gizmo is only for sale in Japan.

But this wouldn’t be a bad solution if you needed to power GPS or mobile devices while out and about in nature. Unlike your typical home or office, power outlets are rare out there.

[Toshiba via Gizmag]