The computing community in worldwide , and the Mac community in particular , have become progressively concerned about the environmental impact of the usage and disposal of hardware . While it has become less than cool to dispose of a deadened monitor or heavy drive on a street corner or to only trash a confused or outdated piece of equipment , it is often unmanageable to find practicable recycling opportunities .
There ’s also increase concern on the generation and use of power . Rechargeable batteries are better for the surroundings , and in the long running game less expensive than disposable ones , but they still need to be charged . To address that challenge , Better Energy Systemshas introduced The Solio at the Macworld Expo — a product that impressed us so much , we make it a Best of Show award .
The Solio is a lowly fan - like gadget ( press approximately 5.8 snow leopard ) with three minor solar panels that can be charge up in your home or motorcar windowpane . Made of recycled material , the Solio render get-up-and-go from the sun and stores it within its own Lithium Ion barrage . you may use the Solio to lodge small electronic product like iPod , mobile phone , personal organizer , digital camera , GPS system of rules , and game consoles . you may use interchangeable transcriber ( useable separately ) to secure your gear into the unit . If it ’s a glowering and tempestuous night , you may always reload the Solio by plugging it into a wall outlet . It ’s not powerful enough to bill your laptop computer yet , but Better Energy Systems is working on it .
The Solio implement a refreshing melodic theme : using solar vim to charge electronic equipment — for the convenience of not have to be near an electrical outlet , and/or for the environmental benefits of clean , by nature render great power . The company say that it use up between eight and ten time of day of sunlight exposure to fully charge the Solio and that the speed of its tutelage to your nomadic twist is corresponding to recharging the battery from the wall socket .
The Solio has already been discharge in the U.K. , France , Germany , Switzerland , Italy , Australia , and Japan . The ship’s company plans to bring it in the U.S. within a few weeks . The base of operations price for the iPod unit ( which has a white outer coating that matches the iPod ) will be $ 120 . A mobile phone - only metallic element - finished unit costs $ 99 . Adapters to either be $ 20 a objet d’art .
properly now , the Solio is compatible with Nokia , Motorola , Samsung , Sony Ericsson , Siemens , and Sagem phones . It also supports the Palm , dockable iPods , and various Nintendo Gameboys . For digital cameras , the Solio offers a 12 - volt female railroad car cigarette lighter port wine that plug into the unit . If you have a automobile cigaret courser you could use it with the Solio .
Better Energy Systems has partnered with a UK - based environmental society calledFuture Foreststhat help oneself businesses influence how much atomic number 6 dioxide their manufacturing process bring about , gives them ways to reduce those emission , and a manner to “ neutralize ” what they can not boil down . Those choice include forestry , and investment into clime friendly technology . Better Energy Systems contributes trees to a biodiverse sustainable forest in Germany to make up for the carbon emissions from its manufacturing process .
With Solio , you could operate your small devices barrage fire - free , and at the same time , check being an outlet slave , and do your share as a electronic computer substance abuser for a better environment . I further Better Energy Systems and other caller like them to make up and commercialise such earth - well-disposed merchandise .
