There's always a must-have hot new gadget debuting. Many of these
items put the fun in their sleek and sexy
functionality, but the majority of them require power to run. As a
busy traveler short on time, how can you ensure all your devices
stay juiced up? The options might not be as limited as you once
thought.
Consider the sun - or more specifically, the benefits of solar
energy. A hybrid versatile charger from Solio (1)is able to charge
itself solely off of sunlight (but also from an electrical outlet).
The Solio Classic can store energy in its internal rechargeable
battery for up to one year. It can charge anything - from a cell
phone to a PDA to a GPS to an iPod. One hour of sunlight provides
20 minutes of talking time on a cell phone or 50 minutes of mp3
music playing. Performance times may vary, depending on the
intensity of the sunlight and the device being charged. The Solio
Classic retails for $99.95; is available for purchase on its
website; and comes in four colors - white, black, pink, and
standard-issue silver. Also check the device compatibility page (2)
to purchase the proper connector tips and cables to charge all your
devices. Alternate models include the Solio Hybrid 1000 and the
Solio Magnesium Edition.
Another eco-friendly option is the Noon Solar bag, which is made of
sustainable fabrics such as hemp, cotton, and chromefree leather
(3). A paper-thin, flexible, solar-powered strip on the outside of
each bag absorbs sunlight to retain power. Each bag also contains a
battery pack (known as a power bank) that should be charged in a
wall outlet before use to ensure a full life. Once the power bank
is connected to the solar panel, it takes six to eight hours of
sunlight to charge completely. Fully charged, the power bank will
provide at least one full charge of a device, depending on the
device's size. The bank will retain its charge for a few days if
not in use. The bags are both waterand weatherproof, and retail at
multiple locations listed on the website (4). Prices vary, with the
Cortland design costing $383, while the suede Willow design sells
for $274.
Other solar-power products include Juice messenger and beach bags,
backpacks, and portable flexible solar panels from Reware (5). They
retail between $149 and $399.99. Voltaic Systems also provides bags
and backpacks (6), which cost between $199 and $249.
A notable standout is the new Voltaic Generator laptop bag. The
only one of its kind thus far, the Generator can retain up to 14.7
watts, which is enough power to charge a laptop. The bag retails at
$599, and fits up to a 17-inch Powerbook. All Voltaic bags are made
out of PET - a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant
thermoplastic material made from recycled soda bottles.
Finally, the Philips Power4Life series (7) will debut soon. The
Power2Charge universal SCM7880 USB adaptor has six different
outlets and provides up to 15 hours of charge for devices up to 5
volts. In addition, the Power2Go SCE7640 portable USB adaptor
provides up to 60 hours of charge for devices up to 21volts (which
is equivalent to most laptops).