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http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/09/02/surge.solor.charging.case/

Surge case for iPod touch integrates solar panels

updated 04:45 pm EDT, Wed September 2, 2009

 

Surge solor charging case


Novothink has introduced the Surge, a case for the iPod touch that integrates solar panels to charge the device. The panels are claimed to output 5.5V at 100 mAh in full sun, while a built-in 1500 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery offers 120 percent capacity compared to the iPod's internal battery.

A USB port can be used to charge the case battery or sync the iPod without removing the case, while four LEDs indicate the status of the battery. The company includes a USB cord and a Novocord which can be used to tether the case to a backpack for sun exposure when traveling.

The Surge is compatible with the second-generation iPod touch and carries a retail price of $70. Available colors include green, pink, blue and black. The Touch case is expected to ship later in September, while an iPhone variant should arrive in the fourth quarter of the year.





by MacNN Staff

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 iPod, iPod touch, Cases, accessories
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Comments

  1. ff11

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2004

    -1

    Getting there

    Battery, solar charger, ... It would almost be perfect if only they would have it cover the entire area around the iPod so it gives better protection.

  1. code4fun

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2008

    0

    not sure

    Not sure if this is a good idea. Unless the iPod is using industrial/military components which I doubt, I don't think it is wise to expose your touch devices in the sun. That may have other problems.

  1. brainiac

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Sep 2003

    0

    Well...

    At least you are encouraged to place your iPod screen side down - on dirty surfaces, concrete walls, etc. - when you are in the sun

  1. kyle_novo

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Sep 2009

    +1

    The Product

    The Surge does not need to be directly in the sun for it to charge, and actually it was tested in overcast conditions and charged very well. As for it being down side on dirty conditions there is no need to leave it on concrete walls , etc. as long as the sun is out it should charge pretty much anywhere. Some examples would be on your office desk, out at the beach sitting on a cooler, or if your in the airport. Also the phone is fully functional with all controls available while using the surge.

  1. DancingBrook

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2003

    0

    comment title

    Hmmmm??
    Great idea and features but:
    1) I agree the protection thing needs addressing as I keep my edges protected at all time with a silicon sleeve, which also keeps the screen off the surface when faced down.
    2) The price is just a bit steep, though if it turns up online for $40 that would be OK.
    3 And yeah, in the sun doesn't sound like it would be good. Mine get's hot if I use it heavily, so I'm guessing being in sunlight (where users would typically assume they should put it) will make it too hot and probably not good for the battery life.

    Good luck though, and hope 9/9/09 doesn't negate your efforts

  1. esmith

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2009

    0

    iTouch Surge

    It's not recommended to leave the device connected to your iTouch in an extremely hot environment, such as on a car dashboard during the summer with the ac off. For charging, in the sunlight near a window or hung on the back of a backpack or travelpack while walking. The Surge is now available at www.greenlivingeveryday.com.

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