Portable computer using a fuel cell

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a portable computer comprising a fuel cell continuously refueled from the outside, thereby efficiently supplying power thereto.
The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a portable computer comprising a CPU operable in a maximum performance mode or in a low power consuming mode according to circumstances, and can be supplied power from a fuel cell, the portable computer further comprising: a primary fuel valve enabling the fuel cell to be supplied fuel from an external source; a signal sensor sensing an external fuel supplying signal from the primary fuel valve; and a controller controlling the CPU to be operated in the maximum performance mode based on the sensed external fuel supplying signal.
According to an aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises a secondary fuel valve enabling the fuel cell to be supplied fuel from a fuel cartridge in the fuel cell, and wherein the signal sensor senses an internal fuel supplying signal from the secondary fuel valve, and the controller controls the CPU to be operated in the low power consuming mode based on the sensed internal fuel supplying signal.
According to an aspect of the invention, the portable computer, further includes a connecter which an AC/DC adapter is connected to an external AC power supply; a DC/DC and charger sensing that the external AC power is being supplied and outputs an AC power supplying signal, and wherein the controller controls the CPU to operate in the maximum performance mode if there exists either the external fuel supplying signal or the AC power supplying signal.
According to an aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises a signal sensor receiving the external fuel supplying signal and the AC power supplying signal and outputting an external power input signal if at least one of the external fuel supplying signal and the AC power supplying signal exists, and wherein the controller controls the CPU to operate in the maximum performance mode based on the external power input signal