5 green gadgets to keep you charged on summer vacation
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Admit it, you are as addicted to your mobile phone, personal digital assistant or MP3 as the next person. Even when you're enjoying the great outdoors. Wireless coverage continues to improve in the most remote locations, but how can you make sure your gadget is juiced up in as eco-friendly a fashion as possible? Quick answer: Your mobile device can have as much fun in the sun as you deserve yourself.
Gallery: Green gadgets to keep you charged this summer
Last week, I wrote about a $150 item from Tremont Electric that uses your body movement to give you a charge. The nPower PEG (below) was slated to begin shipping this month in the United States.
But this is by no means your only option for staying charged on the go. In no particular order, here are five pieces of solar technology that could give you an extra power boost in the great outdoors if you're the kind of person who enjoys nature but still can't live without your gadgets. This list is definitely not all-inclusive, but it represents many of the innovative designs that have hit the market in the last 6 to 12 months.
1. The NEW Solio Classic-i
The Solio Classic-i from Better Energy Systems (a company that got its start in London) is distinguished by the fact that its predecessor designs have generated sales of more than 1 million units so far. The device is priced at $79.95; it opens up (ala the photo on the left) to capture the best solar angle. There are all sorts of tips you can choose, and the company claims the charger works with more than 3,200 different mobile devices. For those who are truly techie, Solio works in a 5-6V, 800mA output range. It actually will hold its charge for up to a year.
2. The Freeloader Series
The folks at Solar Technology love trumpeting the fact that the Freeloader solar charger series, which I first featured back in April, has been used on every continent on the planet.
3. U-Powered
For $50, you can buy the new U-Powered bundle from KIWI Choice, which hails from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
4. i-Sol Plus from Silicon Solar
This is one of three mobile charger products from Silicon Solar, which creates a wide range of other solar technologies -- everything from solar panels for your roof to kits for your build-it-yourself electric car.
5. Surge
The Surge from Novothink (at left below) represents one of the best-known "sleeve" type solar chargers that is available for Apple gadgets.
So, maybe you can send yours to me, Mom, when you get your iPhone 4 later this month?