Portable Sunshine

We’re all about renewable energy these days. Solar panels, wind energy, rechargeable batteries, all are part of the global vocabulary. Well, Eneloop is catering to just such a mentality.

Specifically, with its new portable solar panel (about the size of a book) you can charge a cell phone on the go (outside specifically) through a USB connection. Now we no longer have to worry about wasting energy when we leave our phone chargers plugged in.

Eneloop also produces rechargeable batteries and adapters for anything that uses a battery (so that’s pretty useful). Who can pass up the chance to buy batteries less often?

Versatile Pictures

Almost every digital camera these days comes with a setting for action shots.  You want to take a picture of a track meet and cut down on the blur, it is possible.  But what about taking a picture in the actual track meet?  Or even better, while you’re in the process of skiing?

That’s what the Gopro Hero camera is all about.  Not only is it a good quality camera, but it comes with mounts for everything from a car dashboard, to a helmet, or your chest.  Sure, you’ll look a little weird, but the picture possibilities are surely worth it.  It’s unfortunate that the camera works on AAA batteries, thus battery life will likely be sketchy, but it would be worse.

At $200 it’s not a real expensive camera, which is always a plus.  The camera is small, and not waterproof in and of itself, but it comes with the shock resistant waterproof case to begin with.  With summer on the way this could be just the thing to spice up those vacation pictures.

Alternatives to AA’s

The Wiimote has been a part of our lives for some time now and the greatest problem I’ve run into with mine, is battery life.

Lets be honest, Wiisports is a little too fun to have to stop every time those double AA batteries give out.  Luckily, there are other options.

Lets start with the Penguin United Quad charger.  If you’re lucky enough to own four Wiimotes this special stand will take care of keeping them all well charged at once.  The station comes with four rechargeable battery packs (fully charged in four hours).  A Dual Charger is also available.

Energizer has also announced a Power and Play recharging kit for Wii.  The kit comes with batteries and replacement doors for both Wiimotes.

Lets be honest, the money saved on AA batteries over time would more than pay for either system.