Army scrutinizes novel micro fuel cell.

A Livermore, Calif., company has unveiled a prototype of a methanol powered micro fuel cell for the military. UltraCell Corporation's XX25 provides wireless, portable power in extreme environmental conditions. A single cartridge can power a laptop computer for up to two days.

"Because these lightweight cartridges are also hot-swappable, the UltraCell system can run indefinitely without any need for electrical recharging," a spokesman explains. The fuel cells, which are considerably lighter than the load of rechargeable batteries that are required for extended missions, are currently being evaluated by the Army.