Novothink Unveils Apple-Certified Solar Charger

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 3/22/2010

SAN LEANDRO, CALIF. — Earlier this month, Novothink took the wraps off what it called the only Apple-licensed solar charging case for the iPhone and second-generation iPod Touch.

The Solar Surge joins a solar panel with a lithium-ion polymer battery and a non-slip-finish case.

“We are elated to bring Solar Surge to energy conscious apple fanatics nationwide,” said Silvia Zimmermann, marketing director for Novothink, in a statement. “We strongly feel that being the first Apple certified solar charging case for the iPhone and iPod touch is a huge step towards incorporating solar technology into everyday life.”

The Solar Surge is said to provide about 30 minutes of talktime on a 3G network or 60 minutes on 2G from two hours of direct sunlight. A USB cable for charging on rainy days is also included.

The lithium-ion polymer battery (1,500mAH for iPodTouch and 1,320mAH for iPhone) more than doubles the battery capacity through a highly efficient charger, said Novothink, and it features smart charging technology, so it will know when to stop and start charging. There’s also an integrated thermal sensor to prevent potential overheating if its environment becomes too hot, the company said.

Novothink said that talktime can be extended up to four hours on a 3G network (eight hours for 2G), and up to 240 hours of standby time is provided when the Solar Surge is fully charged. A full charge takes around a full day, according to a spokesman.

The additional time for Internet use after a full charge varies, with up to four hours provided for 3G and up to six hours for Wi-Fi. Video playback is reportedly extended by six hours, with audio playback listed at an additional 20 hours. The case’s design features a cutout for wrist straps and smaller carabiners; four builtin LED charge indicators; and a Solar Planner app, which reportedly provides an estimate of how much sun exposure is necessary to maintain the battery level of the iPhone or Touch. The estimate is based on everyday usage and the current weather forecast.

It’s currently available in two colors — black and white — with more colors “coming soon,” according to a spokesman. The iPhone 3G and 3G S versions retail for a suggested $79.95, while the Touch version retails for a suggested $69.95.

SCOSCHE UPGRADES IPOD CHARGER/NIGHTLIGHT
OXNARD, CALIF. — Scosche Industries recently upgraded its ReviveLite with the ReviveLite II, a iPod/iPhone charger and nightlight. The ReviveLite II is said to have a smaller footprint over its predecessor and “was redesigned to offer greater stability when plugged into an outlet.” A USB port was also added. The device is currently available for a $24.99 suggested retail. It will be available in the spring.