What is it?
Las Vegas this year revealed many interesting gadgets during CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2011. Many companies showcased lots of accessories and new gadgets for tablets, a treat for the techno freaks. Amongst all the new age technology and gadgets the one that appealed to the techie was the Voltaic’s Spark Solar Tablet Case. The distinguished feature of this gadget is that for every hour of direct sunlight, an iPad gets one hour runtime. Voltaic, known for its specialization in developing products that are environmentally friendly, has made this product to suit mobile workers and global travelers.
How much it will cost me?
Although no pricing details have been revealed, the Spark Solar Tablet Case is expected to get launched in the market during the spring 2011 and will be directly sold on Voltaic’s website or via retail outlets.
The numbers
The bag features an 8W solar panels that recharges an onboard battery to power the iPad. The peak output of the device is 6V at 1.333mA. The product’s universal battery pack stores power for use anytime and is specially designed to charge efficiently using renewable solar energy and takes about 9 hours of direct sunlight for a full recharge. When not in the sun, the battery can be charged from normal or high-powered USB ports.
The look
Just like the other products of Voltaic, their Spark case includes a battery to store power. Designed in a way to hold one iPad it also comprises two USB ports, first one with 650 mA USB output and second one that puts out 2 Amps, is a ‘high-power” port. The Spark Case is fully padded and can be carried around easily by its handle or an optional shoulder strap.
Why it matters?
The gadget is a blessing for mobile workers and global travelers and once charged for an hour in direct sunlight, provides an hour of iPad runtime. Power of 8 Watts for fast charging and the battery delivers high output. Another distinguished feature of the Spark is that can also charge DSLR cameras, the iPhone and other devices using renewable solar energy.
The lowdown
The Spark works on Solar Energy, an unpredictable source of energy and also takes a hefty 9 hours for a full recharge.
Things to watch out for
Nearly a full iPad charge is stored by the internal battery, to be used anytime. Here time management becomes quiet essential for the gadget freaks in case you want the iPad to run for a longer period.
The Bottom Line
With so many convenient and environmentally-friendly features, inclined towards the clan of ‘road-runners’, the product is a must buy for all iPad owners who have a green conscience.
