Fuel-cell mobile computers are expected to end the current reliance on lithium-ion batteries which need to be recharged.

The small fuel cell, weighing 900 grammes (1.98 pounds) on its own and two kilogrammes when built in the computer, will be commercialised in 2004. It can already operate for five hours on 300 cubic centimetres (half a pint) of methanol.

NEC expects to realise 40 hours of consecutive operations -- some 10 times longer than conventional lithium-ion batteries -- so the camputer can be safetly used for five consecutive business days.

NEC's share price surged 42 yen or 7.53 percent on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to end the day at 600 yen after hitting a nine-month high of 609 yen briefly.

The stock drew attention on a fresh wave of hi-tech buying and the report of the new product, said Masatoshi Sato, broker at Mizuho Investors Securities.

"The news was one plus factor but the stock is also one of the key stocks in the market which are enjoying cyclical support after recent drops," he said.

The Nikkei-225 average lost 0.23 percent to close at 9,083.11 points.

SPACE.WIRE