TFTS - Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities » Green Technology

Toyota Prius Wagon & Prius SUV In The Works? [Green Wagon & SUV from Toyota Rumored to Release by 2012]

Alex Ion — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:54 +0000

Rumors have it that Toyota may have a Prius sports wagon or a SUV model in the works. Apparently, ever since the new Toyota Hybrid X Concept saw daylight at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the car manufacturer has considered coming up with a new Prius Wagon that would appeal to the green minded somewhere in 2011 or 2012.

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iPetals iPhone Charger Uses Solar Power for Energy [iPetals Device Doubles as an iPhone Dock]

Katie Gatto — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:09:01 +0000

Have you ever needed a quick charge for your iPhone while you were nowhere near an outlet? For example, when you are in the middle of an interstate drive? If so, then iPetals will be your next handy tool. A new device designed for the green minded, the iPetals allows you to charge your iPhone on the go. All it needs is sun, so imagine all that free power, in a device small enough to slip into your purse.

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Citroen C-ZERO Electric Vehicle Revealed [C-ZERO EV Based on Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Launches End of 2010]

Alex Ion — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:14:44 +0000

Citroen wouldn’t like to lose market share against those manufacturers that have already tackled the green minded with their new models, hence why the French car builder has announced a new electric vehicle concept that is meant to harm the environment as little as possible. Dubbed the Citroen C-Zero, the 3.48m-long city car borrows a bit from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and its older brother, the Peugeot iOn.

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i.Tech SolarCharger 906 Portable Solar Charger Released [iPhone & BlackBerry Solar Charger Hits Retail, Boasts USB & 10 Adapter Tips]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:31:37 +0000

If you’re looking to harness the Sun’s rays for a little green tinged, free energy then you now have yet another solar charger vying for your attention in the form of the i.Tech SolarCharger 906 which serves to distinguish itself from the throng of comparable solar charges already out there in offering broad compatibility with a vast array of mobile devices thanks to boasting USB connectivity as well as a total of 10 separate adapters.
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LG Display Solar e-Book Reader Unveiled [New LG Eco-Friendly e-Book with Solar Cell Offers A Day’s Reading Based on 4-5 Hours in Sunlight]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:06:45 +0000

What with e-Book readers being hot news right now, LG Display’s announcement that they have developed a solar powered e-Book reader that, thanks to the integration of a solar cell measuring in at a mere 0.7 millimetres in thickness (less than a credit card) and weighing just 20 grams, can provide enough power within 4-5 hours of sunlight exposure to power the book for an entire day’s reading was sure to get especially wide coverage.
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i.Tech SolarVoice 908 Solar Bluetooth Headset Released in US [A2DP Solar Powered Bluetooth Headset with Noise Reduction Hits Stateside]

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:07:32 +0000

We’ve seen solar power hitting the consumer electronics market pretty extensively of late, especially but not limited to reserve phone power packs, and now, should you reside stateside and hanker to embrace more by way of eco-friendly, free energy courtesy of our star and you’re in the market for a new Bluetooth headset, you’ll doubtless find the new i.Tech SolarVoice 908 Solar Bluetooth Headset of particular interest.
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BMW Lovos Concept Runs on Solar Power [Solar electric BMW Lovos by Designer Anne Forschner]

Alex Ion — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:16:34 +0000

Anne Forschner, a 24 year designer who has recently graduated from the Pforzheim University in Germany, is trying to prove her talent by taking the auto industry by a storm with a solar electric BMW concept. Dubbed BMW Lovos — which stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity, although the vehicle looks like an aggressive porcupine, we’re still being attracted by its futuristic design and its uncommon shapes.

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Philips Brilliance 225P1ES Widescreen ECO Monitor [225P1ES with PowerSensor Cuts Power Consumption, Reduces Bills, Saves Planet]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:13:15 +0000

Philips have introduced their newest eco-friendly widescreen monitor in the form of the 22” Philips Brilliance 225P1ES which, thanks to boasting PowerSensor technology, is capable, according to Philips, of cutting power consumption by up to 70% when compared with similar specified displays.
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Google to Help Minimize Plug-in Charging Load [Google Software to Help Electric Vehicles Charge More Efficiently]

Alex Ion — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:09:36 +0000

Because there aren’t enough charging stations to give your electric vehicle juice for a few more miles, or maybe because it takes a long time to charge, it’s only natural that people are not yet appealed to hop on the green bandwagon and buy themselves a four wheeler that runs on batteries. With that in mind and because they believe in a cleaner future, Google is reportedly working on a way to make electric vehicles charge more efficiently.

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Honda EV-N Concept and U3-X Personal Mobility Device Bundle [EV-N Holds U3-X Segway-like device Inside Door]

Chris Smith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:24:26 +0000

Just a few days ago we’ve seen a new Honda concept, the U3-X personal mobility device, which might just become a Segway serious competitor, and change forever the way we imagine personal mobility. And today we have the pleasure to see another impressive concept from Honda, the EV-N. It might be small, but it will certainly have at least one surprise for you once you open that door.
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5.11 Tactical UC3.400 Light for Life Flashlight [Rugged, Law Enforcement Grade, 3 LEDs, Recharge in 90-sec, 2-hr Run-Time, No Batteries]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:38:06 +0000

OK, normally there really isn’t that much excitement that can be drummed up for a lowly flashlight. They’ve been around for what seems like hundreds of years (1902, actually) and they all pretty much do the same thing. We’ve seen them all; there are rechargeable one, small ones, large ones, battery-powered ones, you get the idea. But what if I were to tell you that you could purchase one flashlight and that it was guaranteed to last you for the rest of your life? And that it didn’t use any batteries? That’s what the tactical gear makers over at 5.11 Tactical want you to know when it comes to their new Light for Life Flashlight UC3.400. (more…)

Oregon Scientific +ECO Clima Control [Solar Powered Weather Station, Integrated Solar Panel, Current Temperature & Humidity In four Locations]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:12 +0000

Admit it. You know there are days when you wish you could actually find out what the temperature and humidity levels are in your bathroom, bedroom, office, and kitchen. As useful as that information can be, it doesn’t help that you need to go out and buy four separate devices and set them up in each location all the while dreading the time when you have to actually get off the couch to walk around to each room to read them. That can take hours. I feel your pain and so do the folks at Oregon Scientific. Not only is their new +ECO Clima Control weather station capable of saving you valuable time in your indoor meteorological exploits, it can also run off of solar power, and that’s good for everyone. (more…)

Energy Star Updates Television Requirements [On-Mode Power Consumption Guidelines, 40-65% Energy Use Reduction, HDTV Focus]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:24:25 +0000

Well, they’ve finally gone and done it. Energy Star has just announced the latest updates to their program and the focus is on high-definition televisions. Their latest announcement, which covers expected changes for HDTVs through 2012, shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone, but it may have manufacturers scrambling to find ways to cut the energy consumption of some of their most popular (and profitable) products. (more…)

Kinesis K3 Wind and Solar Charger [Recharge USB Gadgets Using Mother Nature, Weatherproof Design, AC Adapter for Pre-Charging]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:10:11 +0000

I’m totally into all of the green gadgets that are finally starting to make their way to us consumers. It used to be a chore to go out and hunt down solar chargers and it’s almost unheard of to see anything wind-powered used in conjunction with your electronics. Using the great outdoors for your energy needs is something that should rank pretty high on everyone’s to-do list, and I’m not talking about burning the forest either. Now you can make use of just about any alternative energy source you choose when it comes to getting your gizmos juiced up and the introduction of the Kinesis K3 Wind and Solar Charger gives you two of them. (more…)

NOVOTHINK Surge Solar Charger for iPhone3G & iPhone 3GS [Boasts 'First Apple Certified iPhone Solar Battery Pack' Status]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:03:39 +0000

Having only just offered you a heads up concerning the Dahon BioLogic FreeCharge iPhone/iPod charger for bikes we felt obliged to follow up with another eco-friendly charger in the form of the NOVOTHINK Surge which utilises solar energy (unlike the dyno hub of your bike as with the Dahon charger) and which has the distinction of purportedly being the first solar based iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS charger to gain Apple certification.
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Dahon BioLogic FreeCharge iPhone & iPod Charger [Dahon Dyno Hub Charger for Bikes Delivers Free Green Power]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:16:51 +0000

The keen cyclists amongst you who enjoy listening to music courtesy of your iPod or iPhone will undoubtedly at one time or another have been caught out thanks to your iPod/iPhone running out of charge during your journey. But now, thanks to the Dahon BioLogic FreeCharge, such occurrences could be a thing of the past as, thanks to utilising your bike’s dyno hub, the device will ensure that your device is topped up with free – and, more importantly, decidedly green tinged – energy.
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NOVOTHINK Surge Solar Charger Case for iPod/iPhone [First Apple Licensed Solar Chargers, Integrated Solar Panels, Indicator LEDs, USB 2.0 For Standard Charging]

Robert Lesher — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:33:45 +0000

Free energy is a good thing, right? I mean, if you could just lay your electronics out on the table and let them charge the world would be a much friendlier place. Then we could all lay around with flowers in our hair talking of world peace and drinking absinthe. Maybe that what the folks at NOVOTHINK had in mind when they got together to develop their latest iPod/iPhone friendly charging gadget, the Surge Solar Charger. There are plenty of solar chargers out there claiming to work with just about ever portable device under the sun (sorry) but the NOVOTHINK Surge is the first ever officially Apple-licensed solar charging case that is approved for use with both the latest edition iPod Touch as well as the new iPhone 3G. (more…)

NEC MultiSync EA190M 19-in LCD Monitor [Eco-Friendly, 1280x1024, 5:4 Aspect Ratio, 5ms Response Time, 900:1 Contrast Ratio]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:04:03 +0000

The latest monitor offering from NEC might not be that impressive when it comes to size or resolution, but given the way they are marketing it, I don’t think that was their intent. The biggest buzz in the computer display market seems to be energy-savings. With so many LCDs abuzz in the corporate world it’s no wonder that manufacturers are trying to come up with monitor designs that use less energy and the NEC MultiSync EA190M certainly fits the bill. While it might not be a widescreen offering and a bit low on the size side of things at only 19-in, the EA190M does promise to lower your carbon footprint and look good doing it. (more…)

Super Talent Develops Green DDR3 Memory [Use 38% Less PCB Material and 47% Less Packaging Material Than Company's Standard DDR3 DIMMs]

Robert Lesher — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:03:24 +0000

When it comes to going green, most electronics manufacturers cringe at the thought. After all, their products are often made with some pretty nasty materials and the mention of anything that would hurt their bottom line is received with less than stellar reactions. So when a component maker decides to do the right thing we certainly take notice. Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, has just announced that they have developed a new line of green DDR3 modules that use 38% less PCB material and 47% less packaging material than the company’s standard DDR3 DIMMs. (more…)

Toyota Prius Coupe Makes it to the Rumor Mill [Sleek Prius Coupe to Take on Honda CR-Z]

Alex Ion — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:07:13 +0000

Rumors have their way of going around fast and if we’re to believe the latest in the auto industry it looks like a Toyota Prius Coupe is in the making.

Apparently the Japanese manufacturer is looking for a way to take on Honda’s Hybrid CR-Z that is expected to reach dealerships sometime next year. Well if it’s going to look like what we got our hands on in here, a Prius Coupe will not only make for an environmentally conscious vehicle, it will also cause some serious head turns when traveling around.

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Picnic Plus Cooladio Solar Cooler [Thermal Foil-Insulated Cooler, Solar-Power Docking Station, AC/DC Adapter Jack]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:09:47 +0000

OK, I admit it. I’m a sucker for anything that combines technology and a way to keep my beer cold when I am out and about. I have reviewed similar cooler/radios in the past and it would seem that they all fall just short of providing a product that combines portability, durability, and gadgetry in the right amounts. When I saw the Cooladio from Picnic Plus I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. The Cooladio is a combination radio, backpack cooler, and solar power charger in one and it just might be the perfect traveling companion. (more…)

Nissan Announces 100-mi Range 2010 LEAF Electric Vehicle [87mph, Li-Ion, Zero Emissions Car]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:45:43 +0000

The landscape of hybrid vehicles is a familiar one to most people around the world. With old friends like the Prius and Insight being the most familiar, and newcomers like the Volt (which has yet to make it into the hands of the general public) attempting to make a name for the itself, it would seem that there is plenty of room for another entrant. That’s exactly what Nissan is hoping for with the announcement of its latest all-electric vehicle, the 2010 LEAF EV. (more…)

Kodak Intro Solar Charger KS100-C +2 [Portable Reserve Solar Power Pack with USB Connectivity]

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:01:09 +0000

If you’re looking for a reserve charger for your gadgets that offers free ‘green’ energy courtesy of solar power you may be interested in Kodak’s newly announced charger, known as the Kodak Solar Charger KS100-C +2.
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Maplin Solar-Powered Travel Bag [Integrated Solar Panels for Charging On The Go]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:00:23 +0000

It’s not always easy to find a power outlet when you need one especially when you’re hanging out with nature. And since most of us simply can’t live without our Blackberries and iPods when we commune with the local flora and fauna we need something that will make sure we have enough juice when it matters most. The Maplin Solar-Powered Travel Bag is just the thing for keeping your electronics charged when you’re on the go and it doesn’t look like something you’d be ashamed to carry either. (more…)

Eternaleds HydraLux-4 World’s First Liquid-Cooled Household LED [4-Watt Globe Looks to Replace 25-Watt CFLs]

Robert Lesher — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:52:20 +0000

When it comes to indoor lighting options more and more people are changing out their traditional incandescent light bulbs for the more energy-efficient compact fluorescent kind. They save you quite a bit in energy costs but their tightly wound spiral look doesn’t sit very well with some interior designers. The engineers at Eternaled have come up with a new LED, the HydraLux-4 liquid-cooled household bulb, that they hope will have even the designers drooling. (more…)

Sanyo Eneloop Lamp US Release Date & Pricing Confirmed [Eneloop Lamp Available From September, Pre-Order for $200]

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:49:52 +0000

When Sanyo’s Eneloop Lamp was initially introduced back at the end of June (we didn’t cover it as we don’t have the manpower to cover everything, alas…yet) it was greeted with some considerable fever but, at that juncture, its US release date and pricing was yet to be confirmed. Now we can advise that the US release is set for 11^th September whilst those who are keen to get their hands on the Sanyo Eneloop Lamp can place advanced orders as of now.
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Nikon Ecobins 10 x 25 Binoculars [Environmentally Friendly Long-Distance Viewing]

Robert Lesher — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:09:42 +0000

What nature lover doesn’t want to do what’s right by the Earth whenever we can? That comes to the gear that we carry as much as the trash that we don’t leave behind. The latest in binocular optics from Nikon, the Ecobins, are sure to have you singing the praises of a close-up view along with the green construction materials. (more…)

Docomo SH-08A Solar Hybrid Phone [SH-08A Solar Assisted, Waterproof Solar Assisted Handset]

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:58:32 +0000

Docomo of Japan have introduced a new phone in their STYLE Series, namely the Docomo SH-08A Solar Hybrid Phone, which apart from being waterproof comes with integrated solar panel which, whilst not especially effective (see below) at least offers end users a degree of free, green tinged power.

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Ecoblaster Rechargeable Air Horn [Scare Friends and Annoy Sports Fans the "Green" Way]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:28:45 +0000

It sure would be nice if you could annoy your fellow sports fans and scare the crap outta your best friend without having to worry about where you were going to get your next air horn refill, wouldn’t it? I thought that’d get your attention. Now you can have your audible mayhem device and remain environmentally conscious at the same time with the Ecoblaster Rechargeable Air Horn. (more…)

Chinavision Solar-Powered LED Flashlight [Rechargeable Li-Ion Flashlight with Integrated Solar Panel]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:15 +0000

Solar power and solar powered devices certainly seem like they are here to stay. With the cost of materials coming down and the acceptance of solar power as a viable energy source on the rise, it’s no surprise that gadget makers are rushing to capture their share of the green (so to speak). The latest entrant into the ever-evolving – and pretty crowded – arena of sun-charged devices is an LED flashlight that is sure to have the camping crowd taking notice. (more…)

Bedol Eco-Friendly Water Powered Clock [Perfect Time With Just a Splash of Lemon]

Robert Lesher — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:33:52 +0000

We have enough products in our lives that require electricity, batteries, or electric power of some kind. The last thing we need is yet another little Ni-Cad crunching beastie sitting on our desk adding to the already messed up environment in which we find ourselves. That’s why the way-cool folks at Bedol have come up with a really unique way for us to do our part to help make our planet a little bit greener; The Bedol Eco-Friendly Water-Powered Clock. (more…)

TrickleStar TrickleSaver PC [Reduce the Stand-By Energy Consumption of Your Computer Peripherals]

Robert Lesher — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:39:42 +0000

Even when you’re not using your electronics devices they are consuming power because most devices don’t really “turn off”. Electronics are known for going into stand-by or sleep mode when not in use and this can waste hundreds of dollars a year in electricity without you even knowing it. TrickleStar, manufacturers of energy-saving devices, have just the thing to help you save money and do good by Mother Earth at the same time. (more…)

Oregon Scientific +ECO Clima Control Weather Station [Solar Powered Weather Forecasting]

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:04:44 +0000

Oregon Scientific have released their latest weather station, the +ECO Clima Control, which offers a ‘greener way’ to familiarise yourself with prevailing weather conditions thanks to being powered by an integrated solar panel.

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DIY Eco Speakers by Merkury [Go Green and Decorate Your Own Cardboard Speakers]

Robert Lesher — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:34:37 +0000

The green movement is certainly not a fad anymore. Just about everywhere you look you can see evidence of manufacturers that have decided to do right by Mother Earth. It does seem, however, that one of the last holdouts on the decision to go green is the electronics industry. With a majority of our gadgets and gizmos being made in countries where the focus is more on profit than the green movement, it’s certainly easier to get your hands on environmentally friendly dish soap than it is a computer. But what if you could design and build your own set of Earth-friendly speakers? The Eco Speakers by Merkury let you do just that. (more…)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Futuristic City Commuter [Eco-friendly City Vehicle Concept by Adam Palethorpe]

Alex Ion — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:30:34 +0000

For you and me, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is probably a magical car in a children’s book that Ian Fleming (James Bond creator) wrote almost half a century before or just a funny name, but for designer Adam Palethorpe it’s an eco-friendly city vehicle concept. Keeping away from the aero-engined racing cars from the past (that inspired the story), the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a futuristic city commuter meant for the green-minded.

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SOLAR ChumAlong Solar Power System [Portable, Lightweight Solar Tracking System]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:06:20 +0000

Solar power has remained a bit of an oddity when it comes to its acceptance as a wide-spread alternative power source. It probably has something to do with the cost of making the photovoltaic cells or the fact that no matter what device is created with solar power in mind they always look like something out of Weird Science. That being said, there are places where solar power has found acceptance: highway signage lighting, backyard landscaping lights, and, of course, the calculator. But what about the nerd on the go that needs power for his gadgets in the middle of nowhere? Enter the SOLAR ChumAlong Solar Tracking System. (more…)

Electric ReCharge Mower For a Clean Lawn [Zero-emission Mower Runs 12-hours on a Single Charge]

Alex Ion — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:47:33 +0000

The ReCharge Mower is an eco friendly, rechargeable electric ride mower meant for the eco-minded and their perfect front yards. A machine that will not bother any of your neighbors when you go on that crack-of-dawn mowing spree, the ReCharge Mower promises a 3 hour autonomy after an overnight charge (12 hours on the plug : $0.55), won’t need a tune-up or an oil change.

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Philips Proves Their Widescreen Brilliance [high-performance 220SW9 LCD monitor]

Robert Lesher — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:56:31 +0000

God help us. Not another LCD computer monitor. Haven’t we seen enough of those already? With the glut of LCD computer displays lining the shelves, most manufactured by the same two Chinese companies, it’s no surprise that we have a hard time getting a rise over another product offering in this category. After all, what can they possibly add top entice us? A wider monitor? More shades of black and grey cabinets? Actual compatibility with Windows Vista? Well, the Philips Brilliance line of intelligent widescreen LCD monitors may actually have some new tricks to show us.

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2 Person Electric Roadster Boasts 60 Miles Range Per Charge [Electric Car for Local Journeys]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:07:50 +0000

If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to your traditional gas guzzling car that’s ideal for scooting off down the shops or for other locally based trips this 2 Person Electric Roadster could be the answer – unless you prefer something a little more quirky looking such as this Electric One Person Car.

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Samsung E1107 Crest Solar Cell Phone [Samsung’s Solar Powered Mobile Phone

Alex Ion — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:55:46 +0000

Now that you plan to wear one of those Eco-Drive watches from Citizen, how about a solar powered candybar to go along? Luckily, Samsung have just announced their E1107 Crest Solar (also known as Solar Guru in India) a cell phone that uses a large solar cell on the back cover to gather sun energy and charge its 800mAh battery. Apparently one hour in the sun and you get 5 to 10 minutes of additional talk time.

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