Devotec Solar Charger Review

Jun 3 2008, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

The bane of most cell phone user’s existence is that the battery life on most phones isn’t really what users hope for. The only thing that can be done about short battery life is to carry more batteries, assuming your phone has a replaceable battery. Users of phones without removable batteries like the iPhone have to look for other ways to increase runtime. Today we are checking out the Devotec Solar Charger, perfect for keeping all sorts of cell phones and devices charged and running. Read on for all of the details.

Gallery

4 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Devotec Solar Charger has an internal 1800mAh battery and its solar panels have a 15% maximum efficiency. Output voltage is 5 to 6V and the output current is 350 to 800mA. Devotec says that to charge the battery completely by solar power takes about 12 hours and by USB or AC power takes about 4 hours. The device is 95x43x10mm in size.

The Devotec Solar Charger ships with tips that fit a wide variety of devices including old and new Nokia phones, Sony Ericsson devices, Motorola phones, BlackBerry’s, Samsung phones and a mini USB adapter for any mini USB charging device. A DC 5V tip for the Sony PSP is also included as well as an iPod tip that also works with the iPhone.

In Use
All of the different charge adapters fit onto a 6-inch long cord that plugs into the Devotec Solar Charger. You can place the battery on a window sill or the dash of your car to charge it by solar power when on the go or in the office. For faster charging the Devotec Solar Charger can be charged with a USB cable to your PC and comes with a multi adapter that can be turned into four different plug types for use around the world.

The Devotec Solar Charger itself is small, roughly 2/3 the size of the iPhone. It also comes with a brown pouch for storing the battery in when charging is not needed. On the top of the charger are two lights that glow to show what charge method is being used.

When I plug the Devotec Solar Charger into my iPhone the iPhone beeps and recognizes the charger just as it does the stock dock or charge cable. You can make and receive calls while the phone is connected to the Devotec Solar Charger. Perhaps the best news for users looking for a device like the Devotec Solar Charger is that it is cheap and ships worldwide. The device sells for £19.99 or about $40 in the US. Devotec will ship the charger anywhere in the world for a bit under $6.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Easy to use
Works well
Multiple tips to charge different devices

Cons

Solar charge time is slow

Verdict
It’s very hard to fault the Devotec Solar Charger thanks to its low cost and cheap shipment worldwide. If the solar recharge was faster it would be perfect. As it is the device can charge many of the gadgets you already have in your home and keep them running so long as you have time and sunlight.

9.0

where to buy

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.