Cellphone-shaped solar charger

We have no idea why one would want to build a solar-powered cellphone charger that is shaped like a cellphone (making you stand around holding two devices tethered to one another, a la the Nintendo Revolution controller), but when insipiration struck Roland Kleinfeld on a visit to China, he simply had to bring the Ultimate Solar Charger to life. Compatible with about 70 models from major cellphone manufacturers, Kleinfeld's charger has drawn criticism concerning its ability to prevent battery leakage and overheating when exposed to direct sunlight. Even so, once the wheels of industry start cranking, it's hard to slow them down, and so the $25 Ultimate Solar Charger is available for purchase immediately.

[Via textually.org]

[Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

A friend of mine got one of those brick sized solar chargers. It takes about 2 hours to charge a cell phone and puts out about 2 amps and that's with 6 inch solar panels. I wonder how long it takes to charge a cell phone with these 2 inch (roughly) panels.

[Saffy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Hmm...first the new memory stick format, then the bike-riding robot, the vacuum suit, and now this?

Is it useless/pointless gadget Friday here at engadget, or is it just me?

[Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Pointless Friday?

Remember -- Garbage in, Garbage out. Perhaps late in the week is a poor time to do product releases. After all, something released on a Monday has an entire week of press churning to enjoy.

[Cashmore @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

On the other hand, you can release a flying sandwich on a Friday and Engadget will report on it.