EETimes is reporting that California startup PolyFuel, Inc has gotten their fuel cells past the 5,000 hour barrier. Most current batteries for portable electronics (which is what these fuel cells are aiming to replace) currently only last somewhere in the 2,000-3,000 hour range, so this milestone is certainly a significant one.

"In the case of portable electronics, the methanol fuel — a type of alcohol — will come in the form of small, lightweight, snap-in cartridges that will share shelf space the world over with batteries and cigarette lighters."