Gear Review - Solio

Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger

I was given the opportunity to test the Solio portable solar charger recently. Technology has come a long way in the outdoor industry and solar power is the next evolution. Many of us are minimalists and ultralight freaks, so the Solio might seem like more than you need. But if you’re a gadget-head or a tech-nut, then the Solio might be right up your alley. The Solio retails for $79.95.

The Solio comes with the following:
o Adapter tip system cable
o USB Port Replicator tip (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3s)
o Mini-USB tip (powers Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, iriver)
o Nokia tip
o Instruction manual

Many of us like to have a cell phone along on backcountry trips. Even though cell reception is sparse out there, you never know what’s going to happen and when you might be able to climb a hill to get a signal and get rescue. Still others like to take a GPS along to help them find their way and to track stats on their trip. And then you have the backcountry gadget-heads. These people have their blackberry, gps, and even their mp3 player so they hike or snowshoe to the latest Iron and Wine tunes.

I sat the Solio on my dashboard and then charged my Mp3 player with it later. The battery in the Solio charges and holds the charge for up to a year. It charged my Mp3 player from 3/4 to a full charge in about 30 minutes. It is easy to operate, just plug it into your device with one of the adapters. The adapters fit most standard gadgets, but I did find that I couldn’t charge my phone with it. I have a Sony Ericsson. So, for me, that would be a deal breaker since the phone is the most important gadget for me. You can buy more connectors for $19.95 which would take care of my issue. But that would bring the price to $100. So, keep that in mind when purchasing and make sure the Solio comes with the adapters you need. Being able to customize the adapter kit might be a good idea for them. “I need a Sony charger, and a USB charger” or “I need a Nokia charger and a USB charger”, etc.

All in all though, this product and company are going in the right direction. Renewable energy is something we all need to explore. And portable technology is taking root in everyday life all over the globe. I think this little gem would be perfect for a multi-day trek in the backcountry or a backpacking trip through some exotic locale where your local plug-in type may not be easily available.

Check out the Solio store or forward this blog post to Santa if you think this would fit nicely in your stocking this year.

1 comment November 13th, 2007