Solarade Portable USB Solar Charger Review

Solarade Portable USB Solar Charger Review

Out of all the Kickstarter products that were recently introduced into the consumer market, the Solarade has got to be our favorite new gadget that sadly didn't receive the recognition it deserved. Designed by a small independent design studio and manufactured in Korea using U.S-made components, the Solarade bills itself as the world's smallest solar charger that is capable of charging virtually any USB-powered device out at a remote location as fast as you can charge at home. It's the slimmest, most lightweight and minimally designed solar panel charger we've seen so far that's as functional as that white USB power adapter you use to charge your iPhone with.

And yes, if you can't live without your technology outdoors you can use the Solarade to individually charge your tablet, your phone, camera, flashlight and pretty much anything else that can be charged over a USB connection. That's because the Solarade claims that it's the most compact portable solar panel charger on the market that's capable of delivering true 1A (5V) output current through its USB charging port using a powerfully efficient 5Watt solar panel. Meaning it's as quick of a natural energy source charger as a typical USB wall charger, and that is without a doubt an impressive feature to have when it comes to portable solar energy. More solar charging goodness awaits you in the full review down below.

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Eton Rukus XL Review

Eton Rukus XL Review

We haven't reviewed many solar powered speakers on Gadgetmac, and that has partially to do with the fact that they're not a popular bunch to say the least. Though Eton has quite a few impressive new solar powered speaker offerings which are all wirelessly portable and can live off of the sun's powerful rays. Eton's reasonably priced new $200 Rukus XL is one of the more promising wireless solar powered speakers we know of. With a large adjustable solar panel and a built-in rechargeable battery, the Rukus XL can charge itself up while also sharing some its solar juice with any iPhone-shaped device that charges off of USB power through its charging dock-like compartment. On top of that, its got 8 speakers drivers under the hood so getting its point across during an eventful outdoors party won't be much of an issue. Going somewhere Amish? Then check out our full review on the Rukus XL's solar powered prowess after the break!

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