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?

Light from Light

Lets save the planet one all nighter college student at a time.

Ikea has just released solar cell powered desk lamps.  With LED bulbs that lamps also claim to use 70% less energy than regular light bulbs (they also supposedly last 4 times as long, so there’s a little cash saved as well).  Everything’s all alternative energy these days but it makes much more sense to feed the masses with smaller steps.  Reworking the home office makes more immediate sense to people than rewiring the house with solar panels on the roof.  They come in five colors and are priced at a very economy conscious $19.99.

I like the idea, it can’t hurt plug/wire clutter even if you don’t care about the planet (think of all the extra counter space) you just better keep your desk by a window.

Apple and the power of the sun

I complain a lot about touch screens, but it seems Apple has bigger plans for its button free controls that could vastly outweigh any problems I have with finger prints and smudging.  

Solar power has been rumored as Apple’s next big project where portable devices are concerned, specifically the iphone and ipod touch.  One major problem surrounding solar power (especially where portable devices are concerned) is size.  Most consumers are looking for travel friendly devices when something is labeled as portable (I know I am) so size is a factor.  Adding a solar panel would only add to both size and weight (usually).  

The iphone and the ipod touch may be set to revolutionize portable devices one more time.  Because both these devices are empowered with touch screen capability Apple will attempt to utilize they’re screen space by placing a solar panel under the touch screen.

If I was ever going to invest in a touch screen device one that could utilize solar power would probably do it.  Nothing’s for certain yet, but the idea’s out there now.  In the age of global warming  and new found climate consciousness (both on and off college campuses) solar energy becomes quite a selling point.  It’s one idea I hope comes through, but still one it seems I’m going to have to find the patience to wait for.