chargers

New gear for iPodsters on the go

Just minutes after having noted that laptops face relative neglect when it comes to protective products, we got notice of yet another an iPod safety accessory--thereby proving our point once again. But to show we're not bitter, we're passing along DLO's "Action Jacket" for the Shuffle, a strap-on case for Shufflers on the go.

Ultra-mobile podsters will probably also appreciate the "Power Bug" announced at the same time, a "compact, fold-away" charger that plugs into the wall. It should be noted that DLO isn't just any iPod accessory bandwagon-jumper: Months … Read more

Solar charger shrinks down to size

'Tis the season for giving, all right. Just when we were whining about solar chargers being too big and bulky, Chip Chick comes along and posts an item on a solar mobile phone charger that's not only much smaller than others we've seen but could even pass as a fashion item.

True, chargers made by generic companies in China like this one aren't known for having the best track records. But given its manageable size (about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick) and its price of $18.50--including adapters for various phones and MP3 players--we … Read more

Solar chargers need to go on a diet

It's great that solar rechargers are starting to catch on, but we're not thrilled at the idea of carrying one that's 10 times the size of the phone it's supposed to power. Brunton's "SolarPort 4.4" isn't that big and won't give us a hernia (we hope), but it's still not as portable as we'd like.

The charger, which Red Ferret says is designed for handheld devices and nothing bigger, weighs 19 ounces and measures 9.3 by 6 inches and 1.5 inches thick. That would stow easily … Read more

Power multiple gadgets from multiple sources

Now that smoking is out and gadgets are in, the car lighter has evolved into a different kind of lifeline. But what if you don't have a car?

The TripleCharger can power mobile phones, PDAs, personal media devices and portable gaming consoles from a car, wall outlet or batteries. You do need a converter head for each type of device you want it to charge. There is a small USB connector for an iPod or DS Lite, for example, and other heads for various phone models, but they are not that pricey.

The TripleCharger Bundle from ElectronicMetro for $20 … Read more

A wireless recharging pad

This sounds almost too good to be true: a wireless technology that can be used to charge all devices simultaneously, regardless of type or brand. Yet that's what a company called WildCharge claims to do with its new product.

All you need to do is lay your cell phone, PDA or other device on or near its "WildCharger," a flexible roll-up pad with a power adapter attached to one edge. The devices, which can even include laptops, then absorb their electrical charge wirelessly, the company says.

Pricing for the WildCharger, which is slated for debut at CES … Read more

DIY solar charger pimps your backpack

Being of the 24-hour room-service ilk, we don't exactly find that building a solar iPod charger is our idea of a good time. Especially when you can already buy products like this. But hey, that's just us.

The rugged DIY individuals out there might be interested in taking a shot at this homemade charger posted on Yosemite Outside, which includes a solar panel that can be affixed to a backpack. We have no doubt that it works, but the duct tape probably won't win any design awards.

(Photo: Yosemite Outside)

'Dragon' stands tall but falls short

Nintendo put its portable game devices on a diet awhile back, and it paid off: The slimmer, sleeker DS Lite would make Jenny Craig proud. And like any svelt body, it deserves to be shown off in profile--as in this "Dragon Charging Stand." The Dragon, which looks more like a credit card slot than a power dock, accentuates the DS Lite's trim physique even further with a glowing red light around its edges. Alas, the stand is more about appearance than substance as Ubergizmo points out, for it doesn't indicate when the DS Lite is fully … Read more