Press release; Yvonne Yu, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 3 November 2010]
LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) has introduced a 14-inch solar-powered touch keyboard solution for notebook. The thickness of the solar module used in the solution is reduced to 2.1mm. The solar module is built within the notebook's cover and keyboard panel to absorb both sunlight and electric light, and lowered the use of electric power by 20%.
The specially designed transparent touch keyboard enables users to readily move about their fingers and control the images for the enjoyment of trendy technology, the company said.
This solar-powered touch keyboard notebook solution will be showcased on November 10 at the upcoming FPD International 2010 during November 10-12 in Chiba, Japan.
AUO 14-inch solar-power touch keyboard notebook solution
Photo: Company
Photo: Company
2. Jetyo Solar Camcorder
Like many other camcorders, the $130 Jetyo HDV-T900 has a 3-inch screen that swings out from the side. But when you flip up a special panel, it collects solar energy from the opposite side of the screen using one panel on the flip-up lid and another on the back of the display housing.The solar panels charge four rechargeable AA batteries. The only problem is that recharging the batteries can take a long time; in fact, it could take a day or two in the sun to fully charge the camera. But if you're ever abducted by aliens, this is the camera to take.
Beyond the solar feature, the camera is pretty typical for one in its price range. It records at 720p at 1280x720 resolution. It supports HDMI and AV output and comes with a free 4GB SD card.
3. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
Logitech this week announced an $80 solar-powered desktop PC keyboard. The solar panels above the numeric keys can be charged with sunlight, lamps or even ambient light. And the charge lasts long enough to enable use for three months in total darkness, according to the company.All you need is a solar keyboard and solar mouse, and you can enjoy a desktop free of cables -- without throwing away old batteries and buying new ones every month or two like you have to do with Apple's Bluetooth input devices.
4. Soulra Solar-Powered Sound System
Etón Corp. makes a $199 speaker system for iPods and iPhones powered by the sun. The Soulra sound system is designed for outdoor use -- it's water-resistant and built to withstand shock -- but its speakers are only so-so by audiophile standards, according to user reports.The convenience factor is what makes this product so attractive. When you're at the beach, on a small sailboat or camping, you're not going to have an outlet handy.
The best part: It charges your iPod or iPhone while it's playing the music.
5. Econova LED TV With Solar Remote
Philips recently introduced the 42-inch Econova LED TV, which costs $1,880 but has a long list of eco-friendly features, like low power requirements, recycled materials and more. One of those features is a solar-powered remote control.Besides convenience, the benefit of a solar-powered remote is that you don't need to replace or throw away batteries.
Unfortunately, the TV is available only in Europe.
As you can see from these examples, solar gadgets add convenience and cut costs. That means you don't have to be motivated by a guilty conscience to embrace them. They're also great for lazy cheapskates.
These gadgets aren't quite mainstream and probably won't take over the world. But they represent the future of all consumer electronics. They're efficiently designed for low power use, and they're powered by light alone. More important, they're a small part of a very big revolution that will put solar energy everywhere.
Mike Elgan writes about technology and tech culture. Contact Mike and learn more about him at Elgan.com, or subscribe to his free e-mail newsletter, Mike's List.http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9195238/5_solar_gadgets_that_charge_themselves?taxonomyId=205&pageNumber=2
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