For our Sunday edition, we present to you the "Top 10 Strangest Solar Gadgets". Which ones are your favorites?
1. Solar Powered Wooden Copter
Priced at $32, this wooden helicopter "has a solar cell located on the top of the rotors that will cause the blades to spin when the toy is placed in a sunny spot". Unfortunately, that's about all it does.
2. Solar Powered Address'o'Gauge
This nifty solar-powered "Address'o'Gauge" is easily mountable at 1-foot wide and can display up to five numbers.
3. Power Purse
Designed by doctoral student Jo Hynek, the "Power Purse" puts function over form. This fashion-friendly gadget is covered with solar panels, designed to charge all your mobile
accessories -- including cellphones, mp3 players, etc. One drawback, it costs a whopping $300.
4. Solar Powered Cooling Pith
Four compact solar panels up top power a miniature fan that keeps you cool on hot days. When the sun isn't out - this hat takes 2 AA batteries to keep things going. It's crafted from weather-resistant coated linen straw for all-weather use.
5. MSI's Solar Mega Player 540
MSI presents the "Solar Mega Player 540", an MP3 player that uses a solar module to charge its lithium-ion battery, good for up to 10 hours of continuous use.
6. Sunflower Solar Power Station
The Sunflower might be the best designed solar power station ever created for the home and office. Solar panels found up top provide power throughout the day, while the rechargeable solar battery keeps things working at night. Also included is an integrated solar powered music system complete with speakers which is sure to liven up your room. No word yet on pricing or availability.
7. Solar Powered Rain Sensor
Finally, a solar powered rain sensor that automatically shuts off your sprinklers so you won't have to. Once rain is detected - from one-eighth inch to one inch - a wireless signal is sent from the receiver (up to 200m) that automatically shuts off your timer system.
8. The Solar Tent
Available in 4-person ($150) or 6-person ($200) models, this nifty tent is equipped with a 7-inch solar panel -- which captures sunlight to power the interior LED lights or for charging batteries.
9. Solar Powered LED Light
The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.
10. A-Data Solar Disk
Available in 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB capacities, the A-Data Solar Disk thumb drive sports a solar powered LCD panel which displays the remaining memory capacity.
