I am always interested in solar chargers, since we all spend a big hunk of our time on bikes riding around in sunlight listening to iPods, and not talking on cellphones or checking our email in the middle of traffic. Almost all of those little pocket devices you throw in your bag can be recharged with solar energy.
Here is a new one from Solio. (Check out the solar-powered bike post from today, also.) If you get one of these, and use it on a bike, let us know what you think of it.
This is from the Solio site:
"o Adapter tip system cable
o USB Port Replicator tip (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3s)
o Mini-USB tip (powers Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, iriver)
o Nokia tip
o Instruction manual
When on the go power for your gadgets is key, plug into the Solio® Hybrid 1000. This hybrid boasts a powerful solar panel and battery in an incredibly compact and slender case, conveniently geared with a built-in rugged carabiner and cable. The Hybrid 1000 is simple to use. Just clip on, plug in, and charge up!
Universal Charger – Power virtually all your electronic devices. Works out of the box with most common mobile phones, MP3 players, and GPS units - simply change the adaptor tip.
Stores Power - Charge your devices anytime, day or night. Internal rechargeable battery stores power for up to one year. (A full Solio H1000 will charge a typical mobile phone once or give 10 hours of MP3 music - just 1 hour of sunshine = 15 minutes talk time or 40 minutes of MP3 music).*
Hybrid Charger - Charge anywhere on Earth. Plug into the Sun and charge Solio through its solar panel, it’s free and green! Or use the included tip to charge from the USB port of any computer.
Technical Specifications: Rechargeable battery 3.7V 1000mAh (Lithium Ion). Rated output 1.5 to 5 watts. DC input charge range: 5-6 volts at 400mA. Solar panel output 0.6 watts. Dimensions 198 x 68 x 18mm.
*Performance times may vary slightly depending on type of device and intensity of sunlight."
