Battech rolls out long-lasting iPower SX solar charger
By Donald Melanson 
posted November 28th 2008 9:06AM
posted November 28th 2008 9:06AM
It's getting increasingly more difficult for solar chargers to distinguish themselves from one another these days, but it looks like Battech's new iPower SX has a few somewhat unique things going for it, the most notable of which is a beefier than usual 2200mAh battery (compared to 18000mAh or less on most other units). That should be enough to keep an iPod Classic going for a full 50 hours, as opposed to 18 hours using something like the Freeloader. The device also boasts a few other nifty touches like a battery status indicator (which all to often goes overlooked) and, like other similar devices, you can also simply top off the battery by plugging it into a USB port. No word on a release 'round here just yet, but folks in the UK can apparently pick one up right now for £40, or about $60.
18000mAh? Wow....I guess that's what dreams are for.
Since when was 18000 less than 2200?
Proof reading at its finest!
This is crap, a single Duracell AA rechargeable cell is 2650mah... and costs $3...
Well then try putting your battery in the sun and see if it recharges..
Does your single Duracell AA output at 5.3 volts?
Actualy the "real" cell rating of a Duracell AA is not 2650mAh, its a marketing tactic. In fact one of the highest capacity NiMH AA cells on the market is the Energizer, this is rated at 2450mAh and uses a Sanyo cell. Please also bear in mind this is only 1.2v per cell !
I have purchased one of these from Battech and its a "real" true 2200mAh, compared to the PowerMonkey that only uses a cheap Chinese cell that does not even reach 1800mAh after 10 cycles.
So full marks to Battech they have finally got it right....I spoke to the sales chaps in this company this week they also have another power device out for Christmas and its 3500mAh and looks just like the iPhone with fuel gauge etc....also another external battery at 5000mAh for mobiles PDA etc.
I am pro solar, but these tiny panels with huge batteries behind them give solar a bad name. The rate of power input off the panel is so pathetic that they barely contribute to whatever you are powering. If you really don't have access to the grid you need a large enough solar panel to power your device in realtime. As it is, these solar panels are merely there for show.
I'd think about getting this if I ever went out into the sun.
*reads title*
"Battletech rolls-out long-lasting..."
Huh?
*reads again*
"Battech rolls-out..."
God, things like this remind me of my inner nerd.
If they want to distinguish themselves from the pack they might want to engineer a way of allowing a standard AC socket on one of those panels so that you can solar charge a lot more items.
Please review Ohm's Law prior to submitting posts about electricity.
I too thought Battletech. Damn you Microsoft for buying the rights and sitting on them.
I want.
@Robot, this is why I said 'engineer a way' because I have no idea but I know if can be done having emailed the CEO of powertraveller. Such a device is useless for the person on the go with a laptop and SLR which both need an AC outlet. The bigger outdoor garden solar panel kits have AC sockets so whats the beef?
Interesting design choice painting a red (albeit skinny) penis on the front...
Remeber when 40 GBP was nearly 80USD?
Thanks GWBush!
Remember when we spelled correctly? Thanks, you!
£40? I would rather get the one from Devotec for £25. 400mAh less to save £15? easy decision.
This device is amazing i have just picked one up from HMV, Battech also have 2 other devices in the iPower range one is a cool gadget for the latest iPod range it combines data transfer, charger and a smart little battery pack for emergencies.
The other is the same as the solar but without the panel and in white looks real good.
You guys should check out there site www.battech.co.uk they have batteries for everything and are mega cheap.
Anyway back to the solar 10/10 for this i have phoned customer service there and they offer a range of tips to fit your needs.
cheers
J