Between the upcoming music festivals, camping trips, and Summer beach sessions, outlets may be few and far between. If this is the case, stay calm and grab a backup battery. Available in a variety of styles and options (leopard print included), you can charge your tech on the go. So yes, we give you full permission to go on a power trip!
In this age of technology, smarties everywhere are inventing things to make our lives easier and more productive. A lot of these inventions either sound too good (or weird) to be true, and sometimes that's just what they are. Can you identify what's real and what's just concept? Take this quiz of our Real or Concept gadgets of the past to find out!
If you're anything like me, then you've got several drawers that look much like the one in this picture. Every electronic comes with at least one cord (though usually there are more), and it's not always in use. That brings me to my biggest issue with electrical cords and chargers: storage. What on earth do I do with all these wires? More times than not the ugly chargers end up in a tangled mess in a few drawers throughout the house or, even worse, hanging out on my counter tops. A super organized pal recently told me her no-hassle solution to my problem, and I decided to give it a try. Want to see what my cords look like now? Then read more
In case you haven't noticed, I have a thing for charging stations. I just can't get enough of 'em. Call it my OCD for cable management, or the fact that between my boyfriend and I combined, we have more gadgets than a small country, but I love a nice and neat desk where my gadgets can refresh and recharge. This is why I love Bluelounge's Refresh charging station. Coming in three colors (black, white and pink), the Refresh boasts mini and micro USB cables, and has room for five of your most coveted gadgets: iPod, BlackBerry, iPhone, camera, or whatever you need juiced up.
Although I have much love for this simple and stylish charging station, I do have a gripe: the $90 price tag. Whoa? Whoa is right. Sure, this baby keeps all your cords out of sight and managed, but how much are you willing to pay for a sleek pink plastic box? Ponder that, my friends.
If you're still in search of the perfect gift for the person who has everything consider picking up a stylish gadget charger. Sure, it's not the sexiest gift out there, but virtually everyone with a cell phone, iPod, PDA or handheld gaming device could use a couple of extra chargers. Tack on some added style and eco goodness and you've found the kind of stocking stuffer that will keep the ohhhs and awwwss coming.
I'm in love with the Solio Solar Powered Battery Charger, $125. It's a bit pricier than other models, but the small universal "hybrid" charger can recharge virtually all your electronics. You can pre-charge the Solio in a wall outlet, and the power can be stored for up to a year. Who wouldn't want that?
While power from the sun is readily available, its usage and practicality are still a mystery to many. Solar chargers allow you the freedom to unplug from the wall and use natural light. Many battery chargers are continuously recharged via an array of photo-voltaic panels that convert light into free energy - meaning you can charge your devices whenever, wherever.
Of course, if there's no light available or you're in a terrible rush companies like Voltaic, which makes the battery packs for the backpack on the right, also include automobile and world voltage AC charging adapters. You will have to spend a bit more for solar powered bags, but the small single device chargers (say for your smartphone or iPod) cost about the same as regular travel chargers and will save energy, time and money in the long run.
Solar chargers used to be clunky devices that were best for home use, but now there are some great, moderately priced chargers that are small enough to fit in your suitcase and chic enough that airport security won't think it's a homemade bomb. If eco chic is your thing you can even charge your gadgets with a solar powered swim suit. Talk about hot.
