Get a solar-powered mobile device charger for $19.99
This slim, lightweight panel can hang off your bag or backpack, capturing the sun's plentiful rays for endless on-the-go power.
If you're always on the go, you know the importance of bringing supplemental power for your mobile devices. After all, a dead smartphone doesn't do you a lot of good.
There's just one problem with mobile chargers: You have to keep them charged, which not only adds extra hassle but also limits their overall value. (A dead charger doesn't do you a lot of good, either.)
You know what never (hopefully) runs out of juice? That big fiery orb in the sky. So if you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider a solar charger, one that takes advantage of that sweet, sweet energy served up free of charge (and free of outlet).
For a limited time, and while supplies last, Accessory Genie has the Revive Solar Restore 360 charging panel for $19.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code 360SOLAR at checkout. It normally sells for $24.99, plus $4-5 for shipping.
With a weight of just 6.7 ounces and a thickness of just 0.5 inch, this little panel should slip easily and unobtrusively into any travel bag. It includes a picture frame-style fold-out stand so you can angle it toward the sun for optimal ray-catching. It also has a clip-on carabiner so you can hang it off your bag or backpack and charge your gear while hiking, biking, etc.
The Restore 360 doesn't actually store power (i.e. it's not a battery pack), but rather delivers it via a standard USB port. That port delivers up to 360mA of juice, which isn't a ton -- your average laptop USB port produces 500mA -- but it's enough to power (and eventually charge) a smartphone, MP3 player, Bluetooth headset, or other small device.
Obviously a gizmo like this makes sense only if you're outdoors enough to take advantage of it. That said, during a recent visit to Chicago, I spent a lot of time with a backpack slung over my shoulder and an iPhone that always seemed to be running low on juice. This would have been very handy indeed.
And for 20 bucks out the door, it's definitely a deal worth considering. I haven't found any reviews of the product, so if you've tried one yourself, hit the comments and share your opinion.