Fujitsu solar lantern comes with FM radio
Designed for blackouts, disasters, and camping, this LED light can be charged via USB.
(Credit:
Fujitsu BSC)
Fujitsu BSC is releasing the latest disaster preparedness product to follow Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunamis--a solar lantern that doubles as an FM radio.
The Solar Cubic A-1 lantern (PDF) is covered with a large solar panel for charging, but can also be juiced via USB or AC adapter.
The 6-inch cube has a total of 32 LED lights on four sides with a maximum brightness of 60,000 millicandela. Any combination of facets, such as the front alone or both sides, can be lit.
A full charging of 8 hours can provide 44 hours of light when using three sides.
A speaker on the bottom can play FM radio; the receiver picks up stations on Japan's uniquely narrow FM band of 76-90MHz.
The A-1 weighs just under 2 pounds and is designed for power failures, outdoor use, and natural disasters. It goes on sale in Japan this week for 10,290 yen ($134).
Fujitsu's lantern follows a Toshiba OLED lamp designed for use in disaster-hit areas of northern Japan.
Toshiba only planned to make 100 units of its lamp, but Fujitsu wants to produce 100,000 A-1 lanterns annually.
