Solio

Solio Solar Travel Charger, Solar Powered Gadget Chargers
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Charge Gadgets in a Pinch With a Travel-Sized Solio

Traveling soon? Don't let powerless gadgets leave you in the dark again!
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Traveling soon? Don't let powerless gadgets leave you in the dark again! (Get it? Dark? Solar Power?)

Perfect for travel, vacations, camping, or just a day in the park, the Solio Emergency Charger ($60) charges your gadgets using solar power. A travel-sized version of the Solio charger used by the president (and loved by yours truly), this gadget comes equipped with a smaller price tag than the full version, a USB adapter and charging cable, a 12V adapter, and universal tip cable so all of your gadgets will be covered. A full charge takes 2 1/2 hours when plugged into the wall, and 20 hours in direct sunlight.

Jimmy Fallon Dressed up as a Portable Green Charging Station at Comic-Con 2009
Eco

Jimmy Fallon Is a Lean, Green, Charging Machine at Comic-Con

As if there wasn't enough geekery going on at Comic-Con last week, Jimmy Fallon took things up a notch by coming in costume.
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As if there wasn't enough geekery going on at Comic-Con last week, Jimmy Fallon took things up a notch by coming in costume. Dressed as some sort of solar-powered, charging station superhero (where were you at WWDC when I needed you?!), Jimmy not only promoted his show to the attendees, but also spread the message of green energy. Get a load of those solar panels, eh?

I'm a big fan of solar-powered chargers, especially since it pretty much guarantees your gadgets will be fully juiced at any time. But it's easy to go green even if you don't have a solar charger. Just by unplugging your chargers when not in use (instead of leaving them in the outlet after you unplug) you'll save yourself some wattage on your monthly bill. Every little bit counts! Check out some of my favorite solar chargers (some of which double as fashion) in the widget below!

5 Essential Gadgets to Pack For International Travel
Travel

5 Geek Essentials For International Travel

Besides your passport, do you know what to take with you on an international trip?
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5 Essential Gadgets to Pack For International Travel

Besides your passport, do you know what to take with you on an international trip? Inspired by an upcoming trip overseas, I tried to brainstorm all the things that would make my life much easier when traveling abroad. And planning ahead is key! Not only am I already deciding when to exchange my money (and how much to take with me), what to pack, and figuring out railway systems, but I came up with a few things to take along that I might have otherwise overlooked. Check out these five gadget essentials you should pack for your next trip abroad.

World Adapter A Smart Lock City Guide App Solar Charger Waterproof DSLR Case
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Department of Energy Funds Solar Startup
Eco

Have You Gone Solar?

It's hip to be green these days — not only to save the environment, but to save a few bucks while you're at it.
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It's hip to be green these days — not only to save the environment, but to save a few bucks while you're at it. Late last week, the Department of Energy made $535 million dollars available to a solar startup in order to stimulate the green tech industry, which will eventually mean more solar options for consumers.

Although investing in solar products can mean an investment in the short term, they can save big bucks for the long haul. Just consider how much you'll save on gas with an electric car — the same principal applies to solar energy as well.

My favorite solar gadget has to be the Solio charger ($80), which charges my gadgets on the go without using any electricity. It's totally handy and packs away easily in my bag. Hey, even the President has one! Have you gone solar yet?