Imagine a future where devices can be powered off of a green, hydrogen based fuel source. This fuel source will be readily available, clean, and easy to replenish. Well, the future is now, and the future kind of sucks.

Honestly, the idea of hydrogen fuel cells to power electricity is exciting, and someday the technology will be absolutely necessary and effective. But the medis 24-7 Power Pack comes across like a really expensive disposable battery. It does not come across green, efficient, or effective.

Here's the deal. For $39.95 (expected to be $29.99 when the device goes retail) you get a hydrogen fuel cell and the necessary cables to connect the cell to a device. This cell will charge a cell phone for approximately 30 hours of talk time, and it will charge a iPod for 60 - 80 hours. Then, the fuel cell will be disposed of in a landfill, or if your lucky, you can recycle it. You then need to pay $22.95 ($19.95 at retail) for another 30 hour charge. You then repeat these steps until you are broke or the landfills are full of replacement packs.

Am I wrong here, or is there a bit of cognitive dissonance in this process? For green, renewable energy to become important, it probably should be at least green and renewable. If not, cheap would be good. Unfortunately, the Medis 24-7 Power Pack is none of the above.

Source.