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In comparison to some universal chargers, the Solio Hybrid 1000 is ultra-compact, measuring 198 x 68 x 18mm (height, width, thickness) and weighing 131 grams. However, the supplied kit includes accessories that make it less portable: an attached adapter tip system cable, USB port replicator tip (for iPhone and iPod), Nokia tip, and mini-USB tip (for devices made by Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, and iRiver). All these are to ensure that the H1000 will work with most gadgets available today.
Another accessory included is a USB charging cable, which gives users the option to charge the 3.7V, 1000mAh, lithium-ion battery directly from PCs. This is useful in cases where sunlight is not available. Afterwards, the charged battery can transfer power to the various items aforementioned.
According to specifications, a full battery is good for one typical phone’s charge or 10 hours of MP3 music. In terms of sunlight, one hour of exposure will provide 15 minutes talk time or 40 minutes of music; this is done via the solar panel, which outputs 0.6 watts. Currently Solio sells the Hybrid 1000 for $40.
TFOT has covered various environmentally friendly chargers, such as the Kinesis K3, a portable charger that utilizes both solar power and wind power, aigo, another compact solar charger, and the Datexx SuperBattery, a hand cranked universal USB charger. Other related TFOT stories include the invention of roll-up solar panels, made by startup company Xunlight, and the air-fueled battery researched at the University of St. Andrews.
For more information about the Solio Hybrid 1000, see its manufacturer’s website.
