What if you could run your laptop for 18 hours before recharging? It may be possible sometime soon with fuel-cell technology.

Jadoo Power Systems Inc, the leading supplier of portable fuel-cell power systems, will introduce products that will make fuel-cell energy easier and more portable (though still not quite practical for everyday laptop users).

Fuel cells use a chemical reaction that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, releasing energy in the process. This kind of energy is efficient, long-lasting, and environment-friendly. Unlike batteries, which simply store engery, fuel cells produce power.

Jadoo already supplies fuel cells to broadcast companies for use in cameras and to law enforcement for surveillance devices. One fuel cell canister (shown at left) can provide up to 360 watt hours of energy, which means it can power a professional broadcast camera for up to 18 hours. The canister completely recharges in around one hour.

The company's new expanded product line has longer-lasting fuel canisters, more portable refill stations, and a desktop base for office use. The new products are aimed at mobile professionals, such as broadcasters and emergency responders, who cannot plug devices into a wall to recharge them. The canisters can be used as backup power sources for field-ready laptops, emergency response radios, and more.

The line will be introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters tradeshow in Las Vegas (April 22-27) and will be available online by April 24. The complete system costs $999 and will ship in late May.

Want to know more about fuel cells? Check out extremefuelcells.com