Solar charger shrinks down to size

(Credit: Chip Chick)

'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 think this one might well be worth trying.

[morgausedragone]

Price really is too good to be true

It looks like they only sell the generic charger in cartons of 10.

[Smegz]

I don't know...

I have had my eye on this charger
Article
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/solio.php
Store
http://www.solio.com/v2/shop/shop2_cat.php?catid=1
Also comes with all the popular adapters, but costs five times as much. Also comes in different colors. The one in this article looks too much like a makeup applicator.

[Mike Yamamoto]

Follow the link on Chip Chick

It links to a site that sells them individually:

http://www.globalsourcesdirect.com/servlet/the-1560/Solar-Mobile-Phone-Charger/Detail

--Mike

[morgausedragone]

If you take a closer look...

It advertises the cost per unit, but they only offer it for sale in cases.

[Carola124]

They really work!

I´ve found one my self in ebay, solar charger w/lithium battery, works perfectly and has a nice design. It charges my cellphone in 2,5 hours.... I would like one for my laptop!