Technologically advanced human societies require specialized tools and equipment to enable their diverse and mobile activities. Portable electronic devices like laptop, PDA, handphone, etc. are now an essential tool for many people in their daily lives. The rechargeable batteries used to power the portable electronic devices could be improved upon with regards to power density, and there is a crucial need for efficient, renewable and more environmentally friendly power sources. Many researchers have shown that the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an appropriate alternative to rechargeable battery technology, although many factors must be resolved before it can be commercialized. This paper gives an overview on the possibilities for using the DMFC as portable electronic devices power source along with some views on current and future trends in DMFC development, economic analysis and presents the current problems and solutions by DMFC researchers. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.