The next big trend for portable electronics will be integrated solar charging.
Apple last year secured its first patent for solar-powered devices, and a growing number of gadget accessories already harness sunlight for power, including Logitech’s solar keyboard folio for the iPad.
The technology solves two major headaches for consumers who carry around multiple devices — battery drain and cord clutter. The obvious downside is the added cost. Thornton-based Ascent Solar plans to sell , roughly double the retail price for similar battery-packed cases that charge via an adapter.
Solar charging fits perfectly for external speakers, such as the Eton Rukus Solar, a portable Bluetooth sound system.
The $150 system is very attractive, with a two-piece, rounded speaker set-up separated by a carrying handle. The solar panel covers nearly the entire the top side of the device.
Sound quality of music streamed via Bluetooth to the Rukus is good but not great. It doesn’t come close to matching the crisp audio produced by the Beatbox Portable, which retails for $400.
The Rukus’ main appeal is convenience. The system weighs just under 5 pounds and would be perfect for a camping trip when you don’t want to bother with disposable batteries.
Eton says the speakers offer all-day continuous play under the sun, and about six hours indoors. I played the system for a couple of hours during a daytime barbecue, and the battery maintained three-quarters of its charge.
The company claims the system’s rechargeable Lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in three hours via the AC adapter or six hours under full sunlight. I left a fully drained unit in the sun for more than three hours — with some periods of shade — and the battery regained just a quarter of its charge. The power indicator, easily readable in the sun because it features e-ink technology, measures the battery with four bars rather than a percentage, making it tougher to know when the system will run out of juice.
I left the speakers outside during one of our rare rainshowers this summer, and it continues to work like a champ. The Rukus also has a USB port for wired playback and a nifty pocket to store a smartphone.
While ideal for camping or small get-togethers, the speakers’ sound isn’t nearly loud enough for larger parties.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or facebook.com/byandyvuong
