Electronics

Kiwi Choice portable solar charger

Kiwi Choice portable solar charger
The U-Powered solar charger is a backup power source or charger for portable electronics such as smartphones, cameras and media players
The U-Powered solar charger is a backup power source or charger for portable electronics such as smartphones, cameras and media players
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A handy backup power solution for mobile devices
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A handy backup power solution for mobile devices
The device can be hooked up to just about any power source via USB, car or wall charger
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The device can be hooked up to just about any power source via USB, car or wall charger
The U-Powered solar charger is a backup power source or charger for portable electronics such as smartphones, cameras and media players
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The U-Powered solar charger is a backup power source or charger for portable electronics such as smartphones, cameras and media players
The U-Powered solar charger from Kiwi Choice
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The U-Powered solar charger from Kiwi Choice
Universal mobile device compatibility is helped along by the inclusion of 11 connector tips
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Universal mobile device compatibility is helped along by the inclusion of 11 connector tips
Connects via USB to multiple mobile devices
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Connects via USB to multiple mobile devices
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Canada's Kiwi Choice has announced the release of a strangely familiar-looking portable solar charger for mobile devices. The three-panel photovoltaic fan design first used by Solio has found its way to Kiwi's U-Powered charger. Featuring a powerful battery, LED flashlight and magnetic feet, the product also comes with multiple device connector tips for maximum compatibility.

The U-Powered solar charger is the first of four green products to be announced by Kiwi Choice. As well as being a backup power source or outright charger for portable electronics such as smartphones, cameras and media players, the device also offers the versatility of not being wholly dependent on the sun for its power. When sunlight adamantly refuses to appear or when users just need a quick power boost, the unit can be hooked up to just about any power source via USB, car or wall charger.

The device can be hooked up to just about any power source via USB, car or wall charger
The device can be hooked up to just about any power source via USB, car or wall charger

The charge level of the U-Powered's powerful 2000 mAh Lithium Polymer battery is shown via a simple four LED charge level indicator, and the unit is said to be good for over a thousand recharge cycles. The product also has a built-in LED flashlight and sports magnetic feet for secure placement on metallic surfaces. Universal mobile device compatibility is helped along by the inclusion of 11 connector tips.

Universal mobile device compatibility is helped along by the inclusion of 11 connector tips
Universal mobile device compatibility is helped along by the inclusion of 11 connector tips

The U-Powered will be available from retail stores and online shortly, and has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$49.99.

Of course, fellow solar products company Solio also has a shocking pink hybrid charger which is compatible with a number of devices for about the same price as the U-Powered - although it does have a somewhat weaker 1600mAh Li-ion battery, lacks a torch, and has a suction cup instead of magnetic feet.

Of the other chargers available from Solio, the MAG offers the highest battery capacity at 1800mAh. Whereas Kiwi's product is said to need at least 17 hours of good sunlight to reach full charge, the MAG needs to sunbathe for only around ten.

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3 comments
3 comments
Terry Hope
Im making my own from panels off ebay, only $2 for a single panel.
Jimmy Hughes
I\'ve said it before and I\'ll say it again. Solar clothing! it\'s the future! Portable Solar Chargers
Michael Brozgul
Has anyone checked out FTL Solar?? Their chargers are also portable, lightweight and easy to carry. Chargers range from 5 Watts to 70 Watts. I\\\'ve been using some of their products for a year now and the efficiency levels are the highest I\\\'ve seen over any other flexible PV fabric product.