Pull the (power) plug review: The Solio Solar Recharging Systems

In the current of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine (June/July issue, pages 30-33), I look at all kinds of alternative power solutions for Windows Mobile devices. As a result, I've decided to "road test" many of the devices in the upcoming article and post a quick review on my blog. For several weeks, I've been working with the Solio recharging systems, a set of solar-powered energy solutions.(For more information on this, and all of the alternate charging solutions I review, please check out the article, now available online.) The Solio line of recharging systems is comprised of the Solio Classic (left), Magnesium Edition (center) and Hybrid 1000 (right). Pros:

• Three different options to match your needs for durability, recharging flexibility and device compatibility.
• An "eco-friendly" solution because no waste is produced, like batteries that must be recycled or thrown away.
• The Solio Magnesium Edition uses iGo power tips, which makes it compatible with hundreds of devices and helps ensure excellent future gadget support. -And a coupon for a free custom-ordered tip is included!

Cons:

• None of these devices had enough battery capacity to fully recharge my AT&T Tilt. (A common problem with most of the charging systems in my article)
• Such an expensive and "flashy" device makes it nerve-wracking to leave alone in a public spot (or even on your car's dash) to recharge, especially considering the long solar recharging times (see chart, below).

Recharging times (manufacturer's claims): Solio Classic - Direct Sunlight: 8-10 hours Solio Classic - Indirect Sunlight: 12-48 hours Solio Classic - Alternate method (USB Power): 8 hours Solio Magnesium Edition - Direct Sunlight: 10-12 hours Solio Magnesium Edition - Indirect Sunlight: 12-48 hours Solio Magnesium Edition - Alternate method (AC Power): 6 hours Solio Hybrid 1000 - Direct Sunlight: 10-12 hours Solio Hybrid 1000 - Indirect Sunlight: 12-48 hours Solio Hybrid 1000 - Alternate method (USB Power): 6 hours Summary: The Solio recharging systems are an excellent way to travel without extra batteries, power converters or fear. Because the systems can charge in the sun, and each one of them have an "alternate method" for recharging the internal batteries (USB or AC adaptor) you don't have to worry about ever being without power. However, like all solar technologies, the units slow to recharge and are underpowered when compared to the top-performing recharging systems in this article.