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.