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Compact(ish) solar charging for your mobile
We've just got hold of Solar Technology's new FreeLoader - a portable solar charger for everything from digital cameras to mobile phones.
Housed in a shiny silver casing, the FreeLoader opens up to reveal two solar panels. Attach these to either side of the centre unit, choose from the 11 included power adapters and stroll outside to get charging. Most phones are supported - check Solar Technology's site for more info.
The packaging states it takes "as little as 5 hours" to charge the FreeLoader's internal battery, which we'll be keen to put to the test, and will be able to charge a mobile phone for 44 hours or an iPod for 18 hours.
Although it's reasonably compact when not in use, it's dimensions of 62x123x17mm (width x depth x height) means you'll need a fairly large pocket to carry it around with you.
Available from the 1st March, the FreeLoader will set you back £29.99. We'll be giving it a thorough test over the next few days - expect a full review soon. 
So, how did the review go? I just got one, and I think mine is broken. Acccording to the manual, the charge-lights for each panel is supposed to light up in green when under the sun, but all mine does is turn red-ish.. and it's been out there for more than 5 hours in total now, and the charge-lights are still red-ish and the battery-indicator is silent.. neat lille gadget though. I charged it the first time through USB (as decsribed as well) and it charged my cellphone just fine).
Cheers
Posted by rené | June 11, 2007 1:20 PM