Novothink ships solar-powered iPhone, iPod touch cases
updated 04:35 pm EST, Thu March 11, 2010
Novothink Solar Surge case recharges itself
Novothink today put out its promised Solar Surge case for the iPhone and iPod touch. The design acts like a battery sled for Apple's devices and, as its name suggests, is one of the few such cases that can power itself. While slow to charge, a two-hour exposure to daylight can give an iPhone 3G or 3GS enough extra power for 30 more minutes of calls and considerably longer for music.
The lithium-ion packs powered by the solar cells give varying amounts of battery life. A complete charge for the iPhone version extends 3G calling time or browsing by about four hours and up to 20 hours of music; the iPod touch unit has a slightly larger battery that should provide a greater effect. Either version can charge directly over USB, clip to a carabiner to stay outside for longer, and mate with a Solar Planner iPhone app that gauges how much sunlight would be necessary for a recharge based on current weather.
Prices vary between the two case shapes and put the iPhone's Solar Surge at $80 where the iPod touch example costs just $70.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2003
Excellent
I do a lot of backcountry flying into unimproved landing strips for hiking and camping. Sometimes for weeks at a time. Surprisingly, I can often get some kind of cell signal in these areas, but not a lot of power sources. This will work out nicely.