http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/ Engadget Comments for Brando's versatile universal solar charger http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 23rd 2007 5:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 23rd 2007 5:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 23rd 2007 6:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/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. ]]>Jun 23rd 2007 7:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.cetsolar.com/sc150.htm]]>Jun 23rd 2007 9:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/
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]]>Jun 23rd 2007 10:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/
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/]]>Jun 23rd 2007 7:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/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.]]>Jun 23rd 2007 1:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 23rd 2007 7:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 23rd 2007 2:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jun 24th 2007 9:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/12V? Would be nice if the device could be charged in my car as well?
Any suggestions anyone?]]>Jun 25th 2007 10:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/Jul 19th 2007 10:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/
Sadly I think I'd shell out the extra bucks for the sleek black version.]]>Jun 25th 2007 3:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/
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.]]>Aug 15th 2007 8:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/23/brandos-versatile-universal-solar-charger/
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!]]>Aug 17th 2007 4:34PM