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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.