Brookstone to offer portable USB fuel cell charger

Retailer Brookstone is working with MIT spin-off Liliputian Systems to deliver a palm-sized portable fuel cell USB charger. The device will offer mobile users the ability to charge their smartphone up to 14 times for around two-weeks of use free from a wall charger. Like the similar Powertrekk portable fuel-cell charger, the Brookstone device uses replaceable fluid-filled cartridges to continue delivering charges after the initial cartridge is depleted.

Although Brookstone has not been forthcoming with a price for the USB charger unit itself, it says that the replaceable cartridges will only be a few dollars each. Refills will be available online and in store with spent cartridges able to be recycled through municipal recycling programs. As an added bonus, the technology is also certified for use when travelling on aircraft. It manages this by using a unique process whereby a solid oxide fuel cell membrane is deposited onto a silicon wafer courtesy of investor, Intel.

Brookstone expects that early adopters will be the first to jump onto the technology, but that travellers and outdoor adventurers will also see the benefits of the device. Brookstone expects to have the portable USB fuel cell charger on sale before the year’s end. [via CNET]

by MacNN Staff