Freeloader Solar phone/camera/ipod charger

[maddave]

got bought a freeloader for Xmas and thought I'd share my findings:
1st the blurb.......

Running out of juice when you're chatting on your mobile, battling aliens on your PSP or listening to your iPod is one of the most annoying things known to mankind. Well it’s not, but it's irritating nonetheless. Thankfully portable gizmos are rechargeable, so you merely plug them into the nearest socket and wait.

Charge up the Freeloader
and a device at the
same time



But what do you do when you're nowhere near a power source? Well it just so happens that, unless you're reading this from the Planet Tharg, you're always near a power source: the sun.

Also available in pink!

Okay, so it's not that near, but 93 million miles is nothing to the ingenious FreeLoader Solar Charger. That's because this smart, eco-friendly device soaks up the power of the sun and stores it for up to 3 months. You can then use it to charge up your electronic gadgets, anytime, anyplace. Think of it as a portable solar-powered battery.

Whether you're stuck in nowhereville, hiking in the wilderness or miles from civilisation, the FreeLoader is a must-have accessory. After all a portable gadget minus power is as much use as a rhubarb wristwatch.

Solar Panel perfection!

Super sleek and barely bigger than a mobile phone, the lightweight aluminium FreeLoader pulls open to reveal two solar panels. Simply charge it up by allowing it to soak up some rays. Its internal battery will then power a mobile phone for up to 44 hours, an iPod for up to 18hours, a PSP for up to 2.5 hours and a PDA for up to 22 hours. That’s a lot of juice for such a titchy gizmo. Once the FreeLoader has emptied its charge just power it up again via the sun. You can also charge it via USB if you're near a computer.

iPod/iPhone connector

The Freeloader comes with various adaptors for all your power-hungry bits and bobs, so you won't have to take umpteen clumpy chargers on your travels. Versatile? It really is an essential travelling companion for anyone who never leaves home without some kind of electronic gizmo. And that means you. All hail the sun! All hail the FreeLoader!

Now available in two colours!




Freeloader Supercharger


For some FreeLoader owners, charging times are vital because they're busy saving the planet, hiking through Sting-approved rainforests and ironing their Al Gore T- shirts. So thank goodness for the FreeLoader SuperCharger. Light as a feather but super-tough, this solar cell will charge your FreeLoader in half the time. Using the velcro straps you can attach it to rucksacks, bikes, tents or, for that solar-powered android effect, wear it on your back. Get in there, sun!

Attaches to virtually anything!



Well I can't argue with any of the blurb really... This is a great Item which works well for £12... The supercharger solar panel is another £20 to add but worth it in my opinion especially if you can't fit accessory sockets

hope this was useful

Mad

[Tim Wood]

It sounds wonderful, but how long does it take (in sunshine) to charge up it's internal battery? Never mind the blurb, give us REAL numbers.

[Derek2031]

Hi, I've used one of these small freeloaders. I usually got enough of a charge by leaving it on the back of my bike during a days riding (mostly direct light, say 6+ hours). That was enough to fully charge my nokia - pretty helpful, but I also tried to charge my HP PDA and it messed around with the internal memory of the battery.

Personal opinion - good for Ipod and phones (if you have room to carry another gadget!), not too sure on its use with more complicated electronics.

[Robbert]

Originally Posted by maddave

... eco-friendly device ...

Not to sure about that... . Think about production, packaging, transport of the thing... . You'll need to use it alot before the balance swings to green if you ask me... .

[Xander]

Hey all,

Does anyone have any idea if there is something like this for digital (slr) cameras?

[2cvfred]

How about charging regular rechargable batteries(AA or AAA)? My Petzl uses them, as does my camera.

[tileman]

I used one,
(Solio Solar Power Charger - Solar Products - Todae)
in the oz outback and unless it was pointed directly at the sunlight the charge time increased dramatically. I wouldn't rely on one off these if i needed the item powered for safety reasons. I would wire a usb outlet to the bike with a fuse. Most small electronic items now have usb charger adaptors.

[Bjorn]

I travel with a Kensington Power Adapter. Small & cheap on ebay (the 70W model does the trick).
I use it to charge nearly all my electric devices. It connects to 12v as well as 110/220V. A complete no-brainer if you ask me. And the cable that comes with it is even long enough to run underneath the seat-bench (so you could wire it to the bike permanently).

I use it to charge:
Mobile phone
iPod
Laptop

For digital SLR batteries: I got a 5D and bought a charger from sterlingtek.com. It runs off the bike AND 110/220V. It's small, square shape (the power-plug 'swivels' inside for transport), and it serves as an emergency torch (2 LEDs built in, powered by the camera battery).

Bjorn