12/13, 9:20pm
SunVolt provides 10 watts of power, SunVolt Max gives 15 watts
Gomadic, creator of "intelligently designed mobile business solutions," has launched the SunVolt and SunVolt Max portable solar chargers. Unlike typical solar chargers, the SunVolt allows for charging speeds identical to that of a traditional wall charger, while still boasting a portable design. Equipped with multiple charger outputs, users can power more than one electronic device at a time from the output of the solar panel.
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12/05, 5:43am
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 works with Mac, iPad, iPhone
The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760is the most recent in a line of Logitech keyboards that can be powered by any light source. It is aimed squarely at Apple users and does not offer support for Windows- or Android-based systems. MacNN has been using one for the past week and we have been impressed by the functionality it offers.
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11/02, 2:16am
Durable material suitable for utility in extreme environments
Stanford University researchers in conjunction with a team from the University of Rochester have constructed the first solar cell created entirely out of carbon, giving an alternative to sometimes exotic and expensive materials used in normal photovoltaic cells. The material isn't intended for light panels, but rather the thin film material is possible to be applied out of solution, and could coat surfaces like paint.
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09/14, 5:03pm
Apple intends on providing 60 percent of required power
Aerial photos of Apple's enormous solar array adjacent to its data center in Maiden, NC have surfaced. The field, nearly complete less than three months since groundbreaking, covers 100 acres and generates 20 megawatts of power, with California's Sun Power sun-tracking panels.
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05/30, 8:14am
Logitech K760 with quick-switching for Mac, iOS on pre-order
Logitech has released a redesigned Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 for Mac, iPhone and iPad. The latest entry in the company’s expanding line of Bluetooth keyboards resembles Apple’s own wireless keyboard and supersedes the K750, which was much less compact. As with all of Logitech’s solar-powered products, the device will maintain its charge provided it has access to any light source, indoors or outdoors.
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01/09, 3:55pm
Rukus leverages energy efficient E Ink display
Etón, a producer of high-performance, green-powered consumer products has announced a solar-powered Bluetooth sound system. The Rukus integrates two 2.25-inch drivers with a 14-watt amplifier, an energy-efficient E Ink SURF segmented display, and a monocrystal solar panel to offer environmentally friendly portable stereo sound. The Rukus can also recharge the source device while it is playing the music.
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08/11, 11:00am
Mid-range Android phone features solar charger
A hands-on video of LG's solar-powered Optimus Sol has leaked on YouTube. The LG E730 OPTIMUS Sol is similar to the solar-powered prototype shown at MWC earlier this year. The source says the smartphone has a 3.8-inch AMOLED display and a 1GHz processor. The E730 in the video had Android 2.3.3 and LG's custom user interface.
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01/04, 1:05am
New higher-wattage solar kits available as well
QuickerTek has expanded its line of solar chargers for Mac notebooks to include the MacBook Air (11- and 13-inch third-generation models) as well as all the current MacBook and MacBook Pro models. The Apple Juicz Solar Charger, a photoelectric tarp, is available in 27- and 55-watt capacities and is designed to be used outdoors or in environments where sunlight is available but reliable convention power is not. The 27-watt model is designed for MacBooks and MBAs; the larger 55-watt version is intended for MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
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08/02, 6:55pm
System utilizes heat and light for conversion
Engineers at Stanford University are working on new technology that aims to double the efficiency of existing solar energy systems. Researchers are testing a conversion method, "photon enhanced thermionic emission," that thrives in higher temperatures, overcoming a drawback of traditional photovoltaic technology that becomes less efficient as temperatures rise.
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12/19, 12:25pm
iPhone Solar Charger cases
Solar Arcadia has launched its Solar Charger for both first generation and 3G iPhones. Capable of charging the iPhone while out in the sun, features include LED indicators for the charging and discharging state, and a reverse-current protection-circuit, integrated to prevent iPhone batteries from being discharged. Using a lithium ion polymer battery; the case offers a max output of 5V, and a charge of 6V. Material for the casing is made from sheepskin.
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07/11, 5:40pm
MacBook Air solar power
QuickerTek is offering what it calls a "green" method of charging a Macbook Air. Announced on Friday, the Apple Juicz Solar Charger for the Macbook Air allows users to charge a Macbook Air using nothing other than solar power. There are three available models -- differing in size and charging power. All three are capable of folding up for storage and all also come with a stylish element bag for storing and carrying around the charger and a Macbook Air. The Apple Juicz Solar Charger is capable of charging a Macbook Air in between 5 to 14 hours, depending on the model being used. In order to use the charger an additional MagSafe adaptor must be purchased at the cost of $100 or QuickerTek can modify the customers current MagSafe adaptor for $25.
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05/26, 10:25am
Apple interested in solar?
Apple may be seeking to use solar cells to power future devices, a newly-published patent application suggests. Solar power may offer a means of greatly extending the battery life of Apple devices, including both MacBooks and handhelds like the iPod and iPhone; the difficulty, according to MacRumors, is that portables often have limited space to fit solar panels, and if they do have space the panels may be fragile, and occupy room that could be used for other functions.
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02/29, 12:15pm
Freeloader for iPod, more
UK-based Solar Technology today unveiled the Freeloader 8.0, a portable solar charger with a built-in battery, designed for the iPod and several other electronic devices. The Freeloader comes in silver and pink, and features two small sold-away solar panels that can charge the internal battery within 5 hours, supplying up to 18 hours of power for the iPod. Solar Technology is selling the Freeloader 8.0 for £30 (~$60 USD); as of now, it is available only in the UK.
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