Eton Launches Solar-Powered iPod Speaker

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 6/3/2010

Palo Alto, Calif. - Eton launched what it calls the industry's first solar-powered iPod/iPhone-docking speaker system, the $199 Soulra.

The portable AC/DC system with rechargeable lithium-ion battery will be available early this month in Apple stores, Amazon, Crutchfield, Frontgate, Hammacher Schlemmer, L.L. Bean and other outlets, the company said.

The iPod/iPhone-certified system joins outdoor solar-powered emergency radios from Eton.

The water- and dust-resistant Soulra comes with a rubberized aluminum case with front door the closes over a docked iPod or iPhone, which can be controlled from behind the door by a supplied IR remote. The remote controls track up/down as well as pause, volume, and bass/treble, volume, bass, and switching between the docked iPod and a 3.5mm aux input.

When the door is flipped up, its attached solar panel points toward the sky.

The splash- and dust-proof 2.8-pound device is equipped with two 3-inch speakers with power output rated at around 10 watts, a spokesman said.

The rechargeable battery charges in 10 hours by sunlight and in two hours by AC adapter. A full charge delivers about four hours of playback/iPod-recharging time, which can be extended another two to three hours in sunlight.

The price includes AC adapter and remote.