The iPhone 3G is a wonderful device to behold. That is, if you have some kind of charging adapter to keep its thirst for power quenched. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, high-speed data, and don't forget that it makes phone calls too. Let's face it, the iPhone can't get too far from a real power source... until now.
Solar Arcadia, a company devoted to solar power alternatives, has developed a curious and seemingly very useful solar charging accessory for the iPhone.
Cleverly disguised as a leather case for your iPhone, there is a large solar cell embedded in the front flap of the case, and a thin lithium ion polymer battery that snaps into the bottom of your iPhone. The battery pumps out an impressive 1500mah at 3.7 to 5 volts and can juice your iPhone when its battery gets low, however the directions are never clear on exactly how long the built-in battery can keep the phone going. Of course, the solar cell is really intended to charge the case battery, not power your iPhone directly even though it can.
Keeping the charger in the sun or any artifical light source can recharge its internal battery in about 3 hours. If light is not conveniently available, the internal battery can be charged with the iPhone's included charger.
At only $45.95, it certainly won't break the bank and it's available in several colors. They also offer a vertical flip style that has a belt clip built in. Check it out here.
Solar Arcadia charger doesn't work
Is a cool idea to charge our gadget from a clean source, but this unit from Solar Arcadia doesn't work.
I got one of those and is totally dead after the first try.
I'm trying to contact them for an exchange or refund but no success yet.
If you goggle it you will find more comments about the same issue
http://ourmaninside.com/2008/10/07/iphone-solar-charger-case/
Thank you for the update
I appreciate your post about the problems with the charger. Please keep us updated when you get the replacement unit. I am curious if this is a manufacturing defect or just a poorly designed concept.
I called Solar Arcadia to inquire about the issues surrounding their product. I spoke to Silivia who confirmed that there was an issue with a bad connector in the first batch that has since been resolved. An update to the charging circuit has also improved the charging efficiency on the current units.
I will order a side flip unit and write a full review soon, stay tuned.
Test and Review
Actually I just returned my unit for replacement.
And I'm also ordering from another manufacturer for Testing, Compare and Review.
I'm curious too about this new technology and I didn't have a good experience with other solar chargers
like Solio (solio.com) which has an interesting design but a poor performance.
Solar iPhone Charger
The problem has been fixed. I ordered mine offline from a webstore and Company in the US. I recieved it in 3 days and it has been working great for 4 months now. The store address was: www.thesolarsource.ecrater.com
The customer support was great and had my tracking # in 6 hours from the time I paid. I highly recommend this site for those of you looking to buy 1 of these. I love mine and the shippment arrived 3 days after I paid.