Yeah, Noon Solar's collection of sun-lovin' bags are pretty stylish, but outside of that, we haven't seen a single one we'd be caught dead (or alive) with... until now. sakku has introduced the Solar Buddy for those who just need something tossed over their shoulder, and while the solar panel is unmistakable, the bag still manages to go easy on the eyes. Reportedly, the knapsacks are constructed from recycled material, and while the "direct" model charges portable gadgetry directly (big shock, right?), the "akku" model actually includes a battery pack that can be juiced for use in darkened alleyways and the like. A tad steep at €175 ($271) / €245 ($380) in order of mention, but it's probably a design premium we'd be willing to pay.

[Via Gizmodiva]

It's that time of year again, folks (yes, summertime). Which also means vacation time for many USers, and that could very well pose a problem. All those gadgets you can't leave behind have to be toted along somehow, so we'll let Brendan explain his quandary further:

"My wife and I will be traveling to Europe for 5 weeks. Naturally, I have some perfectly portable gadgets which will need to come along, but I need a good bag (messenger or backpack style, preferably lightweight) to hold the goodies and also keep those pesky pick-pockets at bay. I've got a subnote, GPS, DSLR, PMP, pocket translator and a few other peripherals. What bag will keep all these items safe, yet not make me stand out like a big sore 'tourist' thumb?"

We're glad you asked, and we have all ideas quite a few others are too. What backpacks have you found useful for carrying around gadgetry, and more importantly, which ones are comfortable for hours on end? If you've got a question of your own to unpack, send 'er over to ask at engadget dawt com.

Trust us, solar-cell covered handbags are far from revolutionary, but Noon Solar's Fall Collection strikes our style bone just right. The Willow, Cortland and Logan (pictured) totes all boast a two-sided design that enables the "weather-proof" solar panel to face outward or inward depending on your mood, and all three provide slightly different internal dimensions to suit your carrying needs. Reportedly, the Power Bank within should fully charge after facing the sun for around six to eight hours, and it can be used to provide juice to a variety of DAPs, cellphones and other handheld devices courtesy of the voltage selector on the pack. As for pricing, you'll be looking at $274, $383 and $412, respectively, and the trio looks to be available in a couple of shades as we speak.

[Via Inhabitat]

Branching out from the oh-so-typical when it comes to iPod sound systems is Audio Pro, who has put together a fairly unique docking station that takes your music (and iPod) higher. The rectangular, vertical design scheme may not fit the elongated mold that has been created for these type devices, but it plays nice with your dock-connecting iPod, tunes into FM stations, and handles a duo of other auxiliary units nevertheless. The boxes don black or red color schemes, sport a removable grill to show off the trio of drivers beneath, and even includes a nifty carry handle that admittedly detracts from the overall allure while adding utility. No word on price nor availability just yet, but be sure to click through for a darker shade.

[Via ChipChick]

While digiframe manufacturers keep pushing for larger and larger LCD sizes to adorn (or completely consume) your coffee tables, Brookstone's going the opposite direction with its Digital Photo Wallet. The presumably chintzy "nappa leather" wallet doesn't look to be of much better quality than those sold at your favorite dollar-for-everything store, but it does manage to house a 1.4-inch LCD that reportedly stores 55 photos. Additionally, it's completely removable and rechargeable, sports an on / off button and scroll controls, and interfaces with your PC via USB. Of course, you could just stick with the wallet you're comfortable with and pick up a digital photo keychain, but if you're serious about this one here, watch for it in mid-May for $59.

If you just so happen to receive a boombox with a seven-inch display built right in, it's only fair to return the favor, so Bubble Gear is looking out the manly gift buyers out there with its LCD-equipped Multi-Media bag. Aside from sporting a presumably fashionable leather motif, it also manages to rock a seven-inch LCD on the outward side, which should most certainly grab even more attention (negative or otherwise) than the scrolling LED belt-buckles. Clearly aimed at the tech savvy (or attention-deprived) ladies in the house, it also throws in a rechargeable Li-ion battery, two headphone sets, a thoughtfully-included car charger, wireless remote, and measure 13- x 10- x 4-inches. The screen itself is used for "scrolling through pictures or watching DVDs," but we're not quite clear on just how this wonderful media actually gets connected to the said screen. Still, it's always the thought that counts (right?), but this idea will run you $399.95 and require "two to four weeks" to be handcrafted and shipped out.

[Via ShinyShiny]

It's not like we haven't seen RFID in luggage before, but a highly focused company is looking to make that niche blossom into a thriving industry with its latest BagChip system. RFID Limited is currently marketing its chipped luggage tags to airline industries as a means of reducing human error and decreasing the amount of luggage lost in transit. Additionally, the company is adding a dash of glitz and glamor to its BagChipElite lineup, which will reportedly be designed to match luggage crafted by the likes of "Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton." Of course, there's nothing like a little knockoff material to grace the side of your entirely overpriced luxury bag, but unless the company lands approval to use the branding of these high-end boutiques, we guess you'll end up with second rate pattern mismatches. Nevertheless, there's no hard details regarding when we can expect to see these hovering around in airport kiosks and travel shops, but until RFID Limited sweet talks the airlines into providing support, we doubt this gets very far.

[Via BoyGeniusReport]

Although the original NES has certainly cemented itself as an icon in the gaming universe, it's quickly climbing the ranks for the most frequently modified console ever. Aside from being hacked into its own controller, given a spin by Ben Heck, and used to house a Mac mini, the Nintendo Entertainment System is now going head to head with Prada, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs as a woman's handbag. A very clever entrepreneur has listed the NES purse on eBay for the world to marvel at, and aside from the handy controller strap that appears to be attached in a rather hasty manner, the innards sport a soft, grey fabric to hold makeup, cellphones, and Mario figurines, and there's even a hidden compartment on the bottom for cash, lighters, or 1-UP mushrooms. There's no word on if hitting Up, Right, Select, Start, B will hold the subway for you as you dash towards a departing train, but you can place a bid yourself and try 'er out when it arrives. Click on through for a few more shots.

[Via DSFanboy]

We carry handhelds so we don't forget what we've got to do, but what happens when we forget our handheld? Six students from Canada's Simon Fraser University don't have an answer, but they have developed the latest in purse technology to help prevent the aforementioned situation from occuring to the ladies. The Ladybag's function is fairly simple: an RFID scanner in the bottom of the bag will display a LED-lit icon of whatever it is you didn't remember to embagify. (It'll also display emoticons of how your bag thinks you're feeling, depending on how you're holding and handling it.) Of course, if you're like us and frequently forget your bag when out and about, you'd do best to skip the Ladybag (or Manbag, as it were) and make like us: find a keeper.

[Via The Raw Feed]