Brando's versatile universal solar charger

Relying on the sun to juice up your gadgetry is nothing new, but Brando has deviated from its cockamamie ways a bit and actually cranked out a product that is remarkably useful. The Universal Solar Charger was designed to fit neatly in your knapsack whilst traveling and provide power to any number of mobile devices via the use of adapters. Users can rely on sunlight or default to an AC outlet if stuck indoors, and most notably, the switchable voltage function allows you to handle a vast array of devices without damaging any circuitry. Unfortunately, the status quo of sub-$30 or so for a Brando gizmo has been shattered by this one, but if you're a worldwide traveler looking for portable (and renewable) power, $69 still ain't too bad.

[Bernhard @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:13AM]

They should call it Soleo

[fredouil @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:37AM]

i would be so nice if manufacturers could add a slim solar cell at the back of our phone, that would extend the charge greatly.

[Othello @ Jun 23rd 2007 6:54AM]

That's actually a great price. I was looking at solar chargers the other day, and they seemed to clock in around a hundred bucks.

[Darwin @ Jun 23rd 2007 7:36AM]

What's really impressive is that it puts out a peak 4Watts of power. At the common USB charge voltage of 5V, you're looking at around 800mA, which should satisfy most USB devices.
I'm a little disappointed with the voltages available, though. Some Nokias are finicky about specific charge voltage, as is my Sony. Otherwise, it beats having to carry around yet another wall wart every time I add a device AND it allows you to charge up when there isn't even a socket.

[tekdroid @ Jun 23rd 2007 9:18AM]

looks like an expensive version of this:
http://www.cetsolar.com/sc150.htm

[Wmc90 @ Jun 23rd 2007 10:58AM]

This one uses a Li-ion battery (AFAIK), has more voltage options, has more "juice", has more attachment options included and it seems to be a bit smaller too.

So, it isn't really just an expensive version it's a better version.
The cost of rechargeable batteries need to be factored in that price too :)

Oh, it has a pretty (LED) light too! :P

[tekdroid @ Jun 23rd 2007 7:22PM]

it seems to come with cheap rechargeable batteries (1100mAh). It doesn't come with one voltage option: 9V, but I dunno which devices would need that, personally.

I regard removable rechargeables as better than an internal Li-Ion. When the internal batt dies thru too many charge cycles (500ish), what then? Charger for the scrapheap. At least this will charge AAs which are removable, and you can even use the AAs for whatever you want if need be rather than just use them as an internal embedded batt.

I havent tried either of these (yet), just relaying what was relayed to me here:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/31/sanyo-eneloop-solar-charger-charges-your-ipod-too/

[quink @ Jun 23rd 2007 1:22PM]

Tekdroid, and your link looks like a bad version of this:
http://solarstyle.com/detail.php?ID=40
I bought one of these and its great, charges all my portable devices. Can't beat the price either for what you get.

[tekdroid @ Jun 23rd 2007 7:23PM]

no image showed up on that page, so I can't even see what it looks like. Hrm..

[CapWKidd @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:18PM]

Now, the BIG questions (for me anyways), is: Will it charge my Black Jack using the included USB cable (like it does on my PC, and cable box)??? No other USB devices are able to charge this damd phone!

[Tim @ Jun 24th 2007 9:52PM]

That thing looks like it would make a perfect companion to a DS Lite, especially the black one.

[Groentje82 @ Jun 25th 2007 10:52AM]

Very nice product! How would this work if I would want to charge it in my car?
12V? Would be nice if the device could be charged in my car as well?
Any suggestions anyone?

[alp @ Jul 19th 2007 10:50PM]

The most useful one I found is IohHub travel charger. I can charge all my stuff in my car, in hotel rooms, home or office. The device can charge six things at the same time, although I only bring five on travel: iPhone, iPod, Electrical shaver, Garmin GPS, and my Sony PSP. The best part yet is all the tips are automatically locked in place so they will not get lost as all the old chargers I used with multiple tips.

[jeff @ Jun 25th 2007 3:49PM]

Thanks for the Solar Style Inc link.. Nice cheaper (but uglier) model of what's posted above.

Sadly I think I'd shell out the extra bucks for the sleek black version.

[jj2me @ Aug 15th 2007 8:54AM]

A late post, but thanks, Engadget. Just received this charger, it seems high quality. The supplied connectors are for some phones (Nokia, Sony-Ericcson, Moto Razr (only mini USB, not older Moto connectors).

I searched and bought two more cables: a USB-to-Sony Clie PDA cable and a USB-to-Moto e815 cellphone cable (only could find in eBay with search for "e815 charger USB"). I'll be using those two and the mini USB connector (for Creative Muvo Slim and Zen Micro MP3 players, which will required the high mAh output of this charger), and the USB female port for connecting a Sony MP3 player. My devices will all use the 5V output, though I'll propably use the 4.5V output when I remember for the Motorola e815 cellphone, because the e815's OEM wall charger is 4.6V output.

I saw that the pictures only showed an A/C adaptor with round prongs (European? Hong Kong?). So I e-mailed and Brando said they'd send a U.S. plug. When I ordered I put their into "Extra Instructions", and they did send a separate free plug adapter for use in the U.S.

I'm pleased. Even without using the solar capabilities, it's good as a compact charging kit to carry when going to a vacation house. I plan to use the solar capabilities when hiking the Appalachian Trail in the near future.

[Michael @ Aug 17th 2007 4:34PM]

Forgive the dumb newbie question, but:

One piece of info I can't seem to find is if items like this and the Solio, etc. can be used to continuously power a small device, rather than recharge one. I have a surveillance camera with a 6.5 volt AC adapter, and I'd like to put it where there is no outlet. There is, however, a lot of sunshine. Does anyone know if this is the right kit? (Or can suggest another?) Thanks!