Solar power options for the n95

[geoffbaker]

There have been a few threads about the n95's battery life, how to extend it, additional equipment such as the proporta usb charger...

For all us outdoors enthusiasts - bikers, hikers, backpackers, travellers... the n95 is a great device with one huge drawback... it eats power, draining the standard battery in well under a day under certain conditions (gps, fring and other software use it up very quickly).

You can carry extra batteries, car chargers, usb chargers, etc.

One option I'm looking at is a small solar panel, which strikes me as just about ideal. Many of them come with a built in battery pack, so you don't always have to have your phone connected to it... just connect when phone battery power is low, and the builtin battery in the solar unit will "top it up".

Here's an interesting variation... the voltaic backpack line!

Voltaic Converter

You can buy solar panel, battery, and assorted connectors, all built into the backpack/bag of your choice.

It sounds about ideal for my combined interests... good for hiking, day hiking, longer backpacking trips, also could be used when cycling or even just walking around town during the day... your phone could be charging!

I'm thinking hard about it...

If anybody buys one, please review it on these forums (have I mentioned what a great resource these forums are?)

[gadgetman]

Not at those prices!

[antxxxx]

i have been looking at some way of getting a solar charger for my N95 as well. I have tried a freeloader one but this does not produce enugh output to charge my phone for more than a few seconds :(

[geoffbaker]

Any solar charger that isn't a joke is going to cost over $100. But considering its uitility, they are probably worth it to anyone who likes to hike or bike.

Like anything else, you get what you pay for :).

You can buy a hand crank charger for real emergencies!

[ryanlane76]

how about a device that attaches to a cycle and creates a current from the wheels turning. there used to be some bike lights you could get that were powered by pedalling; same sort of idea. patent pending.

[Homer]

Originally Posted by antxxxx

i have been looking at some way of getting a solar charger for my N95 as well. I have tried a freeloader one but this does not produce enugh output to charge my phone for more than a few seconds :(

Ah, that's a shame.

Saved me a few quid there.

[geoffbaker]

ryanlane, you can still buy generators to power your bike light, either hub or rim mount.

Now whether they'd produce a usable current for the n95 thats a different question. :)