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FEATURE
Green Gadget challenge
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The green contenders:
HYmini
PRICE: $79; bike adapter an additional US$8.99
INTERNET: www.hymini.com
The HYmini offers the best of both worlds: it will charge via the optional external solar panel when it’s sunny, but should the weather take a turn for the worse the wind turbine will continue topping up its internal battery.
It supports an impressive range of gadgets: a standard powered-USB port and a range of power adapters mean that almost all popular devices are compatible.
Our favourite way to use it was with the optional bike adapter. This lets you bolt it to the handlebars of your bike, collecting wind power as you ride.
We found that a six-mile commute was enough to charge a Nokia E65 to half capacity. Of course, if you’re not feeling that energetic, placing it on a window ledge will let you harness the power of any passing breeze.
The plastic body is able to stand up to the scrapes of life spent between the handlebar and windowsill. Just steer clear of the green-coloured model: it’s a cliché.
Rating: 5/6 stars
Powermonkey-eXplorer
PRICE: $169
INTERNET: www.powermonkey-explorer.com
Unlike some of the more fragile solar chargers we’ve seen, the Powermonkey is built to withstand occasional rough handling – essential for a tool designed for use on the move. The soft rubber coating protects it from knocks and adds a certain amount of protection from moisture.
Its ruggedness isn’t the only area in which it excels. While most chargers simply inform you when they’re fully charged, the eXplorer has an indicator LED and an LCD showing the exact battery level. This makes it far easier to judge when certain devices can be charged. The detachable battery pack and solar panel also free you from carrying both when the battery is full and the panel isn’t needed.
Our only real criticism is that it comes bundled up in a lot of packaging, including a disposable box and a reusable nylon carry case. With a product as rugged as this it seems unnecessary, and adds to the price and environmental footprint of what would otherwise be a very green product.
Rating: 4/6 stars
Copyright © 2009 Dennis Publishing
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