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Mobile device power shines with Etón's new BoostSolar
It may rank closer to the "inconvenience" end on the post-disaster scale of challenges, but a lack of power for mobile devices certainly didn't help matters in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy last year. Innovative devices like the BioLite camp stove made appearances on the streets of New York as residents scoured darkened neighborhoods for a chance to plug in. For accessory manufacturer Etón, which partners with the American Red Cross to co-brand emergency-use chargers, radios and flashlights, flexible charging is a key component of the company's product line. Many Etón products include a handcrank option for quick charging when you're off the grid. The latest member of the Etón family draws its joules from a new, old source: the sun. The $US99.99 BoostSolar charger includes both a conventional, replaceable 5000mAh lithium battery and a solar panel for walkabout charging. You can plug the battery in to any USB port to charge the night before your hike (7 hours to full charge) and then march on with solar charging to top off during the day (16 hours from zero to full on solar alone). With a nod towards outdoor and camping use, the BoostSolar includes corner fastening loops for a carabiner or backpack strap. It's also rated IPX-4 for splash and rain resistance -- it might not survive being dropped in a puddle, but short of that it should be good to go. The BoostSolar can charge both 1A and 2.1A USB devices, so the iPad will fast-charge when connected. A micro-USB input port allows the use of most non-iPhone device chargers to top off the battery, or you can connect a micro-USB cable to almost any iOS device charger and be good to go. If you're shopping for the BoostSolar, it's available -- in black or green -- starting today from Amazon, buygreen.com and REI. Additional lithium battery packs will be available separately.
Eton adds BoostSolar to its charging lineup, instantly pleases George Harrison (hands-on)
If it's been a long, cold, lonely winter, then the return of the springtime sun is good news both for your mood and your collection of mobile devices. Eton's adding a portable solar panel to its lineup of portable chargers that'll keep your gear juiced when you're out and about. We took hold of it here at CES and it's surprisingly thin, although the battery adds a bit of weight. The solar panel is a fingerprint magnet, but if you're taking this outdoors that's unlikely to affect your purchase decision -- it feels pretty rugged and should take some outdoor beating. The BoostSolar will easily strap to a backpack and once its own 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery is charged, will let you snap on additional units for unlimited power, which you can then push out via its microUSB port. The luxury of not needing an outlet when you're in the woods will cost $99.99, and the unit will be available early in Q2 this year. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
