Sun Stability

I’m a fan of solar chargers, and the environment, so it’s nice when an official tech company can get behind a green idea and officially endorse it.

That’s what has happened for Novothink’s solar charger for the iphone (second generation) and the ipod touch. The charger has been endorsed by Apple and even looks pretty appealing. Designed almost like a car dock for the iphone the charger slides over the back of the phone (or ipod) and contains LEDs so you can see how much of a charge you really have.

Sure the extra pack will be a little bulky, and a little expensive ($70) but think of the energy you’ll save. Think about the on the go possibilities. It could just be worth

Power on the Go

It’s all about power these days. Gadgets only have battery life that lasts so long. Everybody wants an on the go option when it comes to charging and here is yet another one.

The iLuv iAD115 is a Micro sized USB Car Adapter. The iLuv plugs right into any average car through the cigarette lighter and you’re suddenly the new owner of a USB charger (just don’t forget the extra USB wires you may need for your gadgets).

All in One

Find yourself running out of computer centered USB ports recently? Not enough room to charge the ipod, phone, and game device at once? Well, no worries.

The iLuv iAD117 USB wall charger is perfect for the over taxed gadget owner. The iLuv plugs into any wall socket and comes with three of its own USB ports to free up both the ports already present on your computer as well as desk space. Sometimes all a device needs is a little battery juice, and that can come just as conveniently from the wall as from the computer.

Workout Power

I own a Wii Fit and think it’s pretty fun, ridiculous, but fun. As with all game controls, of any kind, power and batteries are just as much, if not more, of an issue with the Wii balance board.

That’s where Mad Catz Power Up Charging Stand comes in. The stand comes with a rechargeable battery pack for the Wii Fit balance board. Basically the balance board can slide in and stand straight on its edge as it charges. The stand also comes with a few USB ports so that other gadgets can recharge as well.

We won’t see the Power Up Stand until later this month, just in time for all the Wii Fit games announced at E3.

Travel Tech for Less

Travelers will have some cool new gadgets to help them out this year as previewed at the Travel Good Show this week in Las Vegas.

MSNBC’s travel writer Rob Lovitt profiled a few pieces for under $50, including a take-with-you digital scale to avoid egregious charges for over-limit bags and an alarm to warn you if your luggage leaves without you.

Another favorite is the e-Solar Charger ($49.95) from Everlite that lets you charge cell phones, iPods or digital cameras via power from the sun.

My sister-in-law travels A LOT for work. I may have to look into something from this list for her next gift.

Universal Mobile Phone Charger on the Horizon

The mobile phone industry has finally decided to create a universal phone charger by 2012, according to GSMA, an industry organization.

Currently, chargers can be brand or phone specific, generating more than 51,000 tons of waste as consumers get new phones that are incompatible. For more information on recycling phones, click here.

Another aim is to create an energy-efficient charger to reduce stand-by or “vampire” energy consumption by 50%. The group wants to create the “UCS” or universal charging solution  to use Micro-USB for charging.

Among the companies involved in this initiative are LG, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and T-Mobile.

Now if we can just get the printer companies to standardize those blasted ink cartridges.

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.