Solar Powered Jacket available for pre-order
By Phillip Torrone 
posted Sep 10th 2004 10:03AM
posted Sep 10th 2004 10:03AM
We'll admit it, we've been known to sport the odd
piece of technology-meets-clothing occasionally, but we're having a hard time getting excited as we should be about
the Solar Powered Jacket from SCOTTeVEST. The solar panels on the back can charge a small battery contained inside the
jacket, but you have to stand in direct sunlight for about 2 to 3 hours sun (which would be kinda hot with a jacket on,
eh?). From there you can plug in and juice up any USB powered devices like Pocket PCs, iPods, Spot Watches, etc…
P.S. - Awhile back we showed you how to build your own
USB solar charger, maybe we'll do a wearble version of the How-To and see if we can keep it below the $534.98
(pre-sale price) of the SCOTTeVEST.
[Thanks, Barclay]
Does it come with Kung Fu lessons? Or just a bat so the wearer can defend themselves from the inevitable ass kickings?
Yes 2 to 3 hours is the typical time taken to fully charge an empty battery in direct sunlight.
Engadget failed to mention that (according to the FAQ http://www.scottevest.com/v3_product_info/solar_faq.shtml) the solar panels can almost immediately charge a USB device even in partial sunlight whether or not the battery is fully charged, and that the battery will charge just fine in non-optimal conditions, it just takes longer.
I think they could have also taken the time to mention a couple of the other features of the solar panel add-on such as the fact that the panel is water resistant (rain okay, dunk in pool not) and removable. It can be used separately from the jacket, or folded up and stored when not needed.