Comments on: Solar-powered iPhone on the way?

Engineers behind Apple's iPod file a patent application regarding the integration of solar cells into the displays of portable electronic devices.

[j.trauntvein]

Given that I have been seeing calculators, etc with built in solar cells for a very long time, I doubt that this patent would pass the prior art muste

[Renegade Knight]

True that. Watches faces have had solar for some time.

[fortyonejb]

Ok, the idea seems cool enough, but in practice it would be extremely useless, at least for me. I can only think of one usage scenario where my ipod would be exposed to the sun, and thats while exercising. Of course even then its covered by a protective case. How many people are using their ipods in direct sunlight and have them exposed to the sunlight? People don't generally walk around holding their ipods up to the sun, they are in pockets or cases.

I'm not going to walk down the street holding my ipod up to the sun to get it charged, seriously, who would?

[rocwoof]

Solar cells in calculators as mentioned by j.trauntvein (I had the same thought about 'prior art' in that respect ;-) work off about any light source such as indoor lights, so that should not be a hindrance. The only question is how much of a charge can be obtained. Also, there are many phone holsters that are completely open so as to expose the front of the device, and cases can have transparent sections for the display, so the requisite exposure is quite feasible with existing device case/holster designs - the owner just needs to choose one of those designs.

[Renegade Knight]

Think of it as a hybrid. Solar Calculators can run on office light. Worst case your ipod runs longer than it would have without it and charges itself when you leave it laying around.

[QuadFather]

It's not like you keep your ipod under a bushel.

At the least, integrated solar cells would extend battery life without negative impact on user experience.

[zeroplane]

This might be useful if Apple actually put a protective layer on the Idevice that doesn't scratch using finger nails. Just lay the damn it down on a desk and poof scratches everywhere. I havemy Ipod video in an aluminum case to protect it. Why can't the product have a hard shell that is translucent?

I guess Apple has to build an industry to "fix" the problem.
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/nlu-products-bodyguardz-scratch-proof-transparent-film-for-ipod-5g/
http://www.iskin.com/
http://www.itechia.com/cases.html

So the idea of having a solar layer would be pointless if in order to protect the Idevice you have to put it in a case.

[Nodack]

I think it's a great idea. Those who don't like don't have to buy it and those who buy it that don't like it can always keep it covered in protest. I will find a way to travel in the car with my iPhone on the dash or leave it on the table at the cafe while I'm eating etc. I live in Phoenix and we get sun 300+ days a year.

[ftbotsb]

My Casio Pathfinder wristwatch has an embedded solar cell on the watch face. They call it Tough Solar Cell technology. I've had it since 2003.