Hasta La Gadget!

Based on just how intimately we studied Chris Berman’s hairdo from ESPN’s 1979 launch, we’re more than confident in saying that the video produced here to showcase a “new” wireless desk is most certainly a relic from yesteryear. WiPower — a company that was trumpeting its wireless charging pad way back in ’07 — has purportedly joined up with Gill Industries in order to showcase the planet’s first production through-desk, wireless charging system at NeoCon 2010. The solution would enable laptop users to plop their machine down anywhere on their desk (within the charging area, of course) and have it instantly charge, and if you play your cards right, doing so may open up a wormhole to the era of your choice. In all seriousness, we already saw a working demo of a similar solution at Qualcomm’s Computex booth, so there’s a better than average chance that this stuff is ready to ship right away. Trouble is, there’s no official launch date for Gill’s new family of energy-infused tables. Blast the from past is after the break… if you’re prepared.

Continue reading WiPower flees to 1974, returns with through-desk wireless charging system (video)

WiPower flees to 1974, returns with through-desk wireless charging system (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T’Light lamp for major nerds with good taste (should such a thing exist) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh sure, we’ve seen quite a few solar chargers in our day, but rarely do we get the chance to actually use one for the weekend. A new outfit by the name of Kiwi Choice gave us such an opportunity recently, and today it’s officially launching the U-Powered USB portable solar charger. Put simply, this here device folds out into a tri-pointed thingamajig with a trio of solar panels ready and willing to catch sunlight and store it within. The impatient among us can also juice it up via USB or AC adapter, with a full charge taking at least four hours. The device boasts a power capacity of 2,000mAh, and there’s also a magnet for storing it underneath your vehicle’s seat or dashboard. Oh, and there’s even a LED flashlight on the front in case of emergency.

The company ships the device with 11 different tips, one of which plays nice with Apple’s dock connector. We tested it out on a few obvious candidates, and while it had no issue juicing up our iPhone 3G, the in-house iPad saw the dreaded “Not Charging” logo appear moments after it was connected. The bundle also includes an AC plug and an in-car cigarette adapter for times when the solar charger is pooped, but unfortunately, neither of those options would charge the iPad, either. We will say, however, that it managed to charge every other handheld we had just fine, and while the build quality wasn’t exactly world class, it’s suitable for tossing in the car and having around when energy is needed. It’s available today for $49.99 if you’re interested.

Kiwi Choice launches U-Powered USB portable solar charger originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re pretty big fans of the HyperMac external batteries here at Engadget, as they’ve saved us on numerous occasions from becoming mindlessly bored on coast-to-coast flights by keeping our laptops humming for a few more hours. Unfortunately, the integrated USB port — while handy — isn’t up for handling Apple’s new iPad, which requires a 10 watt USB adapter to even charge. We tested our lab iPad on our existing 222Wh HyperMac, and sure enough, the screen you’re peering at above is what we saw (read: “Not Charging”) — though it does seem to power the device as to not drain what’s left of the battery while connected. In order to remedy said quandary, the folks at Sanho have announced a new line of HyperMac batteries that support iPad charging, but unfortunately for you existing users, every available upgrade path involves shelling out more cash for a new pack. The revamped devices will be available in four different capacities: 60Wh ($169), 100Wh ($269), 150Wh ($369) and 222Wh ($469), able to extend the iPad 25Wh rated internal battery by 2 to 9 times, giving a total run-time of between 34 to 99 hours. Sanho claims these will be rechargeable up to 1,000 times and will include a one-year warranty, so if you’re interested, you can place your pre-order now and await a shipment notification in around a fortnight.

Continue reading HyperMac external battery packs refreshed with iPad charging support

HyperMac external battery packs refreshed with iPad charging support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We don’t know what charlatanism is afoot here, but word is that Australian company Digital Works has come up with a way to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. We’d usually scoff at such blasphemy, but the tech has been convincing enough to at least get PC Treasures (who?) to distribute the ReZap Battery Engineer on the North American continent. This little do-it-all device will juice up rechargeable and standard batteries alike — allowing up to 10 recharges for the latter type — and is also capable of electrifying up to four cells of varying sizes at the same time. You can expect the ReZap to arrive in May with an SRP of $59.95, which we’d consider cheap if it does everything it promises, or extortionate in the somewhat more likely event that it doesn’t. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Digital Works’ ReZap recharges disposable batteries, coming to North America in May

Digital Works’ ReZap recharges disposable batteries, coming to North America in May originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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