Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I had been looking at this unit for a bit and finally decided to get one.The unit is small and thin and looks pretty cool.In the box you get three adapters (more on that in a minute) and a USB attachment.
The three attachments are for the most common cell phone(s) (nokia) as well as an attachment for blackberry type units and then finally the iPod.
Charging the unit takes some time.It needs DIRECT sunlight.You can tell if its getting good light by a red LED light on the front.It will stay lit up when its getting full on light.The sun light charge was "slow" so I decided to USB charge the unit the next day at work.That took about 2.5 hrs (the unit probably needed a full charge).After that I connected my iPod and began the "charge".It was slow and took a few hours to get the iPod back to a full charge.
Solio has a web site that can get you all the connections you might need. (PSP to Phone/camera etc).I could not find my phone so I emailed them and got a response about 24hrs later. (not too bad).The attachments appear to be about 9.95USD.
If you are looking for "fast" charges I'd say just use your wall outlets/usb's etc.I leave he Solio in my car during the day and get the sunlight..then I'll charge my iPod or my phone (when I get that attachemt) during the ride home.
A cool device and I feel like I am doing the right thing.
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Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger (Orange)Product Description: When on-the-go power for your gadgets is key, plug into the Solio Hybrid 1000, which boasts a powerful solar panel and battery in an incredibly compact and slender case. Simple to use, the Hybrid 1000 is geared for outdoor adventures with its compact, high impact plastic shell and built-in rugged carabiner and cable. Solio also limits your need to purchase and carry around multiple chargers for all of your gadgets and is your one-stop charging solution for all of your products from cell phones and iPods, to digital cameras, game players, and GPS.
Plug into the Sun, and charge Solio through its solar panel--it's free and green. The Hybrid 1000 also accepts power from the USB port of any computer, using the energy to power your gadgets at the same rate as if they were plugged into the wall. Solio will also hold its charge for up to a year. You can also use the optional Solio Global Wall Adapter to charge from the wall.
Features
A full Solio H1000 will charge a typical mobile phone once or give 10 hours of MP3 music. Just 1 hour of sunshine provides approximately 14 minutes talk time or 40 minutes of MP3 music.*
Provides an emergency power source when away from power outlets.
Adapter tips allow you to power multiple gadgets with a single charger (tips for most products included in pack)
Works with multiple gadgets, including mobile phones, iPhone, Bluetooth headsets, smartphones/PDAs, MP3 players, portable gaming devices, digital cameras, GPS and much more.
Reusable--use it again and again.
Compact lightweight design--convenient for travel or emergency use.
Specifications:
Nominal DC Output: 3V 1.2A
Maximum Wattage: 3.6 Watts
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1A cell
DC Input: 5-6V 0.4Ah
Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.71 x 2.6 inches (LxHxW)
Weight: 4.6 ounces
Temperature Range: -4F to 131F (-20C to 55C)
What's in the Box? Solio Hybrid 1000, adapter tip system cable, USB Port Replicator tip (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3 players), Mini-USB tip (powers Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, iRiver), Nokia tip, instruction manual.
*Performance times may vary slightly depending on type of device and intensity of sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions Is Solio compatible with my iPhone? The USB port replicator tip--included in the box--is also compatible with iPods, MP3 players, and many digital cameras. A separately available adapter is required for the iPhone 3G and second generation iPod touch.
Can I charge Solio on a cloudy day and can it be left outdoors? Yes, Solio will charge on a cloudy day, although less efficiently than when under clear skies. Cloud cover can also be too thick to allow enough sunlight through to the solar panels. Solio is engineered to be rugged and weather resistant, but it is not entirely weatherproof. Solio should not be left out in wet, rainy, or snowy conditions without a protective covering.
Can I charge a device while charging the Solio? Yes, providing that the Solio has a bit of power on it. Please note that as the Solio is transferring power to your device it will not gain much of a charge, if at all. If the current drawn is greater than the amount that sunlight conditions allow the Solio to charge it's internal battery, you may not significantly receive a charge from the Solio.
About Solio Solio is made by Better Energy Systems, a company that develops and markets portable clean technology products for travel, work, and play. Their award-winning designers and engineers think 'outside the grid' to develop new technologies for the eco-mobility market, creating true energy independence for people around the world. With products engineered to the highest technical and environmental standards, BES enables customers to take a meaningful step on the path to sustainability.
Founded in 2001 in London, BES envisions a massive shift in energy delivery and infrastructure to combat global warming. They believe that making renewable technology accessible to the average person will speed this shift. Solio, the company's flagship product, was conceived as a 'trojan horse' for the renewable energy market; a versatile hand-held charger that opens the lives and minds of consumers to the potential of solar. BES also stands for energy equality: the belief that all people - regardless of geography or economic standing - are entitled to clean energy and light. BES is engaged in the fight against poverty by finding new ways to bring sustainable power and light to people at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
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