Keeping your electronic gadgets charged, especially when deployed can be a serious challenge. While you can be out of practically everything else, one thing is in abundance; sunlight. Consequently, solar chargers are a great option but many require large, unwieldy, and expensive panels. Then came Solio chargers and in particular the Magnesium Edition.
New this season, the Magnesium Edition is lightweight, durable and takes up little space. Capable of accepting a charge from its internal solar panels or from shore power via a standard plug (international adapters available), the rechargeable ME stores its internal charge up to one year (80% of charge at one year). When used as a solar collector the device stores the power and when in use as a battery regulates its output as though coming from shore power. A full Solio ME will charge a typical mobile phone more than twice or give over 20 hours of MP3 music – just 1 hour of sunshine = 20 minutes talk time or 50 minutes of MP3 music.
Technical Specs:
* Nominal DC Output: 3V 3A
* Maximum Wattage: 9 Watts
* Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1.8A cell
* DC Input: 5-6V 0.4Ah
* Dimensions (LxHxW): 4.72 x 1.34 x 2.56 in (120 x 34 x 63.5 mm)
* Weight: 6.38 oz. (179g)
* Temperature Range: -4F to 131F (-20C to 55C)
What’s more, the ME charger now comes with iGo adapters. Anyone familiar with the iGo system knows that they have an adapter for virtually anything. Solio offers a wide range of iGo adapters but click here if you need more information on iGo.
Included in each charger:
o Charging Cable for iGo® tip system
o Female USB Cable (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3s)
o iGo Motorola Razor tip
o iGo LG Chocolate tip
o iGo Nokia tip
o iGo Samsung tip
o iGo Blackberry tip
o Pencil
o Solio Draw String Hemp Pouch*
o Universal Wall Adapter
* We recommend DoD users dump the Hemp Pouch.
The Magnesium edition is the top of the Solio range, so be sure to check out all of their offerings. While Solio is a UK-based company, we have found the best place to get them Stateside is TAD Gear. TADGear really supports the troops and often has products on special discounts.
Photos property of Solio.
The Solio Clip-Mini is an interesting light. Not so much for it’s size or the number of lumens (only 8.4) it sheds but rather for its unique recharging system. You see, it can be recharged via USB or Solar. The light integrates a solar panel and takes a full charge in 5-7 hours depending on sunlight conditions whereas USB charging is only about an hour. The Clip-Mini also integrates a power indicator to let you know how much of a charge remains in the light. Additionally, the light boasts 5 settings including 100%, 50%, 10%, strobe and SOS modes. There is also a red filter option that slides into place. Finally, the Clip-Mini features a cool carabiner-style clip that can be attached to packs or other items for storage or use.
