Pocket-size solar power

[jpak]

http://content.zdnet.com/2346-9595_22-40849.html?tag=gald

<snip>

Solar Style sells a couple of solar chargers. It offers a $55.99 kit that includes adapters to different cell phones but also works with digital cameras, game machines and digital music players. A full charge in the sun--either indoor or outdoor--takes between six and eight hours. A charge from an outlet takes four to five hours.

<snip>

(photos too)

[LSK]

1. check out the solar garden lights

http://content.zdnet.com/2346-9595_22-40849-6.html

Everyone with a home could use those!

I wonder if they have things for laptops?

[jpak]

2. There are several solar laptop chargers on the market - I've used them

and they work great.

They run ~$400 though...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/07/notepower_bring.php

http://store.sundancesolar.com/po10wafosoba.html

Other solar gadgetry...

http://www.seguetosolar.com/chargers/backpackspecs.htm

[TheWraith]

3. They're also the size of a briefcase, and usually can only trickle-charge the laptop.

You're better off buying a really big external battery if you just want extended run-time.

[jpak]

4. I've used them for weeks at a time in the field

and they weigh a **whole** lot less (the Notepower charger weighed 3 lbs) than an "big external battery" (that someone would have to charge and carry around).

[drm604]

6. Not to burst any bubbles

but I've had experience with solar garden lights. They are very dim and if you've had a couple of cloudy days they don't even last all night. The solar cell just isn't big enough to pick up much of a charge.

[troubleinwinter]

8. HAH!

I live in the high mountains of Arizona, and there's tons of sunlight. There are lots of those lights that are VERY bright. I just detest them. Lights all over the place, no releif from them. The peace of still darkness and beauty of the sparkling stars is stolen.

[troubleinwinter]

7. Half the assholes in my neighborhood have those.

A dozen or more in a yard. I call it 'light polution'. They are STEALING my DARKNESS and view of the stars. I HAAAATE them. Asses hafta light their whole yards all night long for no reason except that they can.

With an ordinary light, at least they can be turned OFF at bedtime so that your neighbors can enjoy the stars. Those damned things run all night long.

[rman]

5. a solar-powered bikini

LOL

http://content.zdnet.com/2346-9595_22-40849-3.html