Solar powered mobile phone chargers

Forums › Mobile handsets › Solar powered mobile phone chargers

artiste

26 posts

Geek

Trusted

Topic # 74634 4-Jan-2011 12:47

So we bought the Freeloader Solar charger to take away camping with us and despite the massive amounts of sunshine were not that impressed.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4d225e830411aade2743c0a87f3b06bd/Product/View/O3380

At $80 the box said it would give you up to 2hrs talktime. Hmmm on the HTC it would be lucky to give you 30mins. And despite saying it would work with your iPod and iPhone it was definitely not combatible with iPhone 4. The employee said it worked on his dad's iPhone 3 though. On a bright note, DSE were great and despite it being over their normal 2wk return for refund policy they refunded me in full.

So I thought I would share this info (so you do not rush out and buy one) and also ask if anyone has had a better experience with other solar powered phone charging options?

Amie McCarron
Contemporary Artist
Web Designer

www.amiemccarron.co.nz
www.bluebubble.co.nz

dontpanic42

1574 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 11

Reply # 423933 4-Jan-2011 13:41

I had once thought about getting one of those Freeloaders from DSE. However upon taking a look at one in the shop my first impressions were that the build quality left something to be desired. So I stayed away.

I haven't yet got a solar charger, however I've been close to purchasing one of the following:

http://www.todae.com.au/Products/giftsuniquegifts/iphonesolarchargingcase/
http://www.todae.com.au/Products/postxmasecosale/powermonkeyexplorerkit/
http://www.todae.com.au/Products/phonesolarchargers/soliosolarpowercharger/

Full range here:
http://www.todae.com.au/Products/phonesolarchargers/

scottjpalmer

Minimalist
5323 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 324

Moderator

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 423961 4-Jan-2011 15:55

I brought a cheap one off TradeMe last summer, borrow it and give it a thrash if you want.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
58084 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9630

Administrator

Trusted

Geekzone

Subscriber

Reply # 1538449 22-Apr-2016 22:11

Sorry for bringing this back after this many years... I was pointed to the Voltaic Arc 8W folding charger and decided to post the link - also because they have a discount code (for the first 100 units): 1WPCHE2HGKZU.

And no, this is not a sponsored post. Just thought it would be worth adding...

Mauricio Freitas (Geekzone Admin, Devil's Advocate, my blog, technology disclosure)

kiwigeek1

601 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12

Reply # 1538469 22-Apr-2016 23:13

I bought a variable voltage unit.. massive panels on it.. charges just great and can run a laptop for hours as long as

it dont draw more then 3amp constantly..(doesnt work on Hp probook it need like 5amps 90watts but anything like 65watts will work on it) however it did cost $100 usd at the time but its half that now.. from Dx.com

its a weebit plasticy though as make cheap in asia but it does work. says works on ipad but if not

could easy build a constant volt/amps box that uses the 20volt output and down step it to correct

volt apple like thats about $5 to buy need to use soldering iron though

http://www.dx.com/p/12000mah-portable-solar-power-battery-pack-with-laptop-cellphone-adapters-72218#.VxoHViifJRY