IDEA's Solar lamp glows like a Sputnik heatshield
By Vladislav Savov 
posted Jul 2nd 2009 7:52AM
posted Jul 2nd 2009 7:52AM
While the original Sputnik burnt out after only 3 months in orbit, here's an homage that promises to be rather more resilient. IDEA, Japan's answer to you know who, is offering a 30cm tall (11.8-inches) self-sufficient ambient light that pretty much does its own thing. Integrated sensors detect when the light should be on, while inconveniences like power cords and on/off switches are completely done away with. The light's batteries are recharged by the sun at a rate of 2 to 5 hours sunlight for 8 hours operation, while its waterproof design means it can be dumped outside to collect rays during the day and even provide garden lighting at night. It's quirky, to be sure, but the obvious design cues taken from the Russian satellite should make true geeks smile with glee. You can find a gallery of the various color choices courtesy of Engadget Japanese below, and if you're passing by the land of the rising sun later this month you can snap up your very own solar light ball for ¥1575 ($16).[Via Engadget Japanese]
Pretty neat, and for $16 not a bad deal. But I usually like to turn the light off at night.
Aww i like it, pretty much impractical but i like it.
I second that :) , nice looking
*but
*grumbles about not being able to edit comments*
I would love something like that just because. It really isn't very useful, but it is fun.
Or, I think I might build one if I have the time and tools lying around...
"Solar Lamp" reads like an oxymoron.
For $16, I could be tempted to find a use for it.
I want one!!
Sputnik as a nightlight. I love it.
I must have one of these, even if I have to have it shipped from Japan.
i was expecting a much higher price. i though i misread and it said $116.
for $16 im going to get one and find a use for it :)
I would like to give it a try. For $16, not bad. Is it available to purchase online with shipping to the US?
do want...
The whole Sputnik thing could have been properly done, had the legs been attached at around the mid section of the sphere.
This seems more likely - We have a ball of light, add three legs. Oh, what does that sorta look like?
IDEA. Japanese, for Swedish Ripoff.
And for the true Sputnik look you need 4 legs instead of 3.
I can't find a way to buy one... anyone figure out where I can do this?
Gregory: Sputnik, which was never intended to reenter the atmosphere in working condition, didn't have a heat shield.
Casual Observer: Damn, Gregory, you sure are a geek.
Gregory: Yeah, I know. I can't help myself. :-) And I want one of those lamps.
Casual observer: You're wrong, Gregory. Sputnik -did- have a heat shield. See? http://www.russianspaceweb.com/sputnik_design.html
Gregory: Oh.
Casual observer: What do you think of that, huh? Not such an übergeek now, are you?
Gregory: Is that supposed to be an insult?
Casual observer: Do you always talk to yourself?
Gregory: Yeah, pretty much
Someone let me know when this was available for sale in the US?
I first read IKEA...
It should mainly radio "bip bip bip"...
I want one it looks pretty cool and for $16 that's pretty cool, I wonder do they sell them online?
For a moment, I thought that said IKEA.
Awed by title....
Guess they dont pay you enough.