Scosche solBAT II Solar Battery Review

Mar 5 2010, 12:00am CST | by Shane McGlaun

Today I am going to check out the solBAT II from Scosche. The device is a solar power battery charger that works with any device that charges with a USB cable. The gadget ships with a couple different options for mounting the charger when in use. If you are in the market for a new battery to extend the life of you iPhone or iPod, the solBAT II might be perfect.

Gallery

4 images

Benchmarks

Specifications
The solBAT II has a 1500mA battery inside and outputs 5V at 500mA. The device ships with a suction cup mount for the car or office window and a clip to connect the charger to a backpack or purse. A USB cable is also included to charge the internal battery from your PC.

In Use
The solBAT II is a very small and lightweight battery that is about the size of a small clamshell mobile phone. The device includes a clear plastic holder with suction cups that mounts to the windshield of your car. The solBAT II slips out of the mount very easily so you can grab it from your car and go with ease.

A clip is included with the solBAT II to let you lock it onto the strap of a purse or a backpack for carrying it on the go. The clip is strong and easy to use and will keep the solBAT II in place if you hook it to a backpack for hiking or biking.

When the charger is getting power from the sun or your computer a red LED on the front of the charger glows. When your device is charging the green light on the front glows to show power is being put out to the device. I used the charger for my iPhone and it worked perfectly. The iPhone recognized the charger just as it would its own charge and sync cable. Battery life is such a subjective thing, especially with a charger that works with multiple devices that it is very hard to say how long the solBAT II will last with your device or usage. The solBAT II charged my iPhone from almost dead to a full charge according the iPhone battery gauge. Scosche says that using the solar panel on the back of the solBAT II alone will take five days to charge the internal battery fully. The USB cable will charge the battery in about five hours.

I charged the battery with the USB cable to start with and then stuck it to the window of my car. I figure that the trickle charge from the sun will keep the battery juiced up would I ever need it in a pinch. The best news about the Scosche solBAT II is that it is cheap at $29.95.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Easy to use
Works with any USB device
Cheap

Cons

Solar charge alone takes five days

Verdict
The solBAT II from Scosche is a low cost charger that works very well for the iPhone or any other USB charging device.

8.5

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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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.