i.Tech's SolarVoice Bluetooth headset could save the environment, not your look

Those looking for another excuse to wear a Bluetooth headset all the time just got it: iTech's $75 Dynamic SolarVoice 908. That awfully long title is applied to a conceptually simple device, a headset with a tiny solar panel on the side rated at five hours of talk time when fully charged. Sadly, though, there's no mention of how long you'll need to bask in the sun to get it there. (AC and USB charging are also naturally on offer.) Unlike earlier examples it's A2DP compliant, so it'll stream your tunes, and boasts integrated noise cancellation, so it's perfect for making your drunken barroom conversations a little more garbled.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 8:45AM]

You guys really do try to insert a cheesy comment into every headline, don't you?

[superhobothemillionthaccount Posted Oct 28th 2009 8:57AM]

Retarded idea.

Unless it works with all lights, not just sunlight.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 1:53PM]

Most solar panels do work in artificial lights, and even outside on cloudy days. They're just more effective in full sunlight.

[TikiTeko Posted Oct 28th 2009 9:10AM]

Then when you remove the bluetooth you get a new nice bluetooth headset sun mark to match your butt.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 9:30AM]

Deluxe Bundle comes packaged with a bottle of sunscreen for those long conversations.

[Oflife Posted Oct 28th 2009 9:49AM]

While I am sure this is device genuine, it reminds me of those knock off solar calculators that have been available for years. I got suspicious that mine was not what it claimed to be when I covered up the 1" x 0.25" solar panel on the front panel, without effecting the display brightness. It was only when I took the thing apart to find a) No wires from the 'solar' panel to the PCB. b) A (long lasting?) watch battery mounted in the case somewhere that I realised I had been had! (The calculator worked and did it's job - but was sold on a false pretense.)

My Casio desk calculator uses both solar and what I assume is a long lasting battery. I expect the thing will last forever - it's already been going for almost 10 years without a battery change. Thing is, a Bluetooth headset has greater power requirements and I think we need a nice large desktop solar panel for all our gadgets - once Mini USB becomes standard as a power receptical.

[simbr Posted Oct 28th 2009 11:21AM]

Many solar calculators contain a rechargeable battery.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 1:58PM]

Some of these use the battery as a backup in the case of a lack of sufficient light. The real test would be to remove the battery and see if it still worked.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2009 10:26AM]

I have an Iqua 603 Sun solar powered bluetooth headset... I have had it for over a year and it's only been charged twice in that year. Granted it's a big fat goofy looking BT, but it's simple and I love the fact that I never really ever have to charge. The two times it required charging was once out of the box, and once when I misplaced it in a coat pocket for about 2 weeks. Other than that, as long as it gets any sort of light, it stays charged.

http://www.iqua.com/products_sub.php?navi_id=1476

This one looks a whole lot nicer than my Iqua, but I think my next BT headset will end up being stereo instead of just a mono headset such as this.

[simbr Posted Oct 28th 2009 11:22AM]

Is there anyone who would use A2DP on a mono headset?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 29th 2009 10:21AM]

seems to go well along with that striped London city banker suit.