Eton Raptor emergency radio trades the crank for solar power, rakish good looks
If "danger" is your middle name and yet "caution" a favorite word, you've probably already got an ugly old emergency radio buried somewhere in your car. Today, Eton's unveiling a model that you might actually feel comfortable using in public without disaster having to strike first. The solar-powered Eton Raptor boasts a slender, 11-ounce carabiner-like design that seems positively packed with tools, including the typical (AM / FM / WB radio, compass, LED flashlight), the adventurous (altimeter, barometer) and the plain ol' useful (audio line-in, bottle opener). It's also got a USB port for charging gadgets from the internal 1800mAh battery and takes splash-proof cues from the Eton Soulra. No word on price, but we know a few road warriors who might be interested when it hits shelves in the first quarter of next year. PR after the break, images immediately below.
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CES 2011: Etón Corporation Announces Raptor, The Solar Charging Device with All-Terrain Guidance Functions
Solar powered USB cell phone charger also provides the outdoor essentials of light, information and energy
(LAS VEGAS – Upper South Hall, Booth #30959 – January 4, 2011) – Etón Corporation, a leading emergency preparedness company and creator of green-powered electronics, announces the Raptor at CES 2011. The self-powered device uses solar energy to charge a cell phone via USB and provides guidance functions for outdoor activities. The Raptor will be seen for the first time at booth #30959 in the Upper South Hall.
Featuring an 1800mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery, the Raptor uses a high-efficiency monocrystal solar panel to power the utilities of the device. Packed with features, the Raptor houses the ABCs of an outdoor adventure tool; altimeter, barometer and compass. The Raptor also features an AM/FM/WB digital radio tuner with presets and NOAA weather alerts, as well as a digital clock with an alarm function. The unit can be charged via a solar panel or DC power, and the stored solar energy can be transferred to charge a cell phone via USB.
Raptor weighs just over 11 ounces and packs the additional features of an LED flashlight, audio line and DC input, battery charge indicator and even a bottle opener. The device is housed in rugged, rubberized and splashproof (IPX-4) casing, providing a layer of protection against water and dust. Sold separately, a holster is available to hold the unit and a mobile device, providing hands free flexibility and added protection.
"The Etón brand continues to advance new ways to harness the power of the sun, and the Raptor is another example of this innovation," said Esmail Amid-Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. "We've incorporated a multitude of novel features into the Raptor and it will no doubt become a must-have device for anyone exploring the outdoors."
The Raptor will be available in 2011. For more information on Etón Corporation and its products, visit www.etoncorp.com.
