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After browsing different websites for alternate energy chargers for my electronic devices for about 3 days I decided to go with the magnesium Solio. Anything that uses usb to charge can be charged with it with the included female usb plug which makes it extremely convenient.My only real flaw with it is the actual charging time really varies and sometimes it will fully charge in 2 days, other times it takes a full week but once it's charged it can charge my nano twice and have some extra juice left over just incase. I checked after 2 days straight of clouds and rain and it showed 2 blinks which stands for about half way charged, an average 25% charge per day through a window and clouds which seems pretty fair to me.After about the last 4 months using this device I'd say im pretty happy with it.
It came within 3 days of ordering it, at the time it costed $120 so i'll base the review on that price. Instead of going with a cheap version of a solar charger that could break within 2 weeks (I've had much too much experience with that) definitely go with something like this that has durability and will last a long time, you wont regret it. I mostly bought it because I'm not only a gadget freak but also a "green" freak in a sense.My expectations were average, I just wanted to make my ipod energy efficient and have something cool to show off laying around the house.
It may seem expensive which i wont deny it kind of is but its really a top of the line green gadget to have and i'd easily recommend it to any of my friends who were looking into buying something like it. The look and design of the Solio was more than I expected I'd say, it looks sleek and easily fits into my pocket for portability when folded up. I set it up the first day to charge (keep in mind inside my house looking out a window facing the sun for probably 7-8 hours per day).
Mine's sat through rain outside numerous times and it's even been dropped a few times and shows no damage at all. Overall I definitely recommend the Solio, I've had no problems with it at all and it seems like it will last me for at least a few years into the future.
When I first tried to use this product with my Palm Treo Pro - it wouldn't work. That cable is able to charge the phone from my computer or a wall charger. Solio told me to use an iGo charging tip which plugs into their universal charge cord. Sometimes the phone charge light would go on, sometimes it wouldn't. So if you are considering this product, I recommend getting a compatible iGo tip. Even when the Treo charge light was on, it wasn't charging. I charged the Solio from the wall outlet so it was flashing 5 times to indicate full charge. However, it doesn't work with the Solio.
I was all set to return the product when the Solio customer service department informed me there was a workaround. I had been using the USB cable that came with my phone to charge from the Solio. When I did that, it charges every time. Note that I have tried some other external batteries (Kensington) and they never worked with the Treo Pro, either - so this is probably more of an issue with the phone than the battery, but I'm happy to report that the Solio does work if you use the iGo tip.
The Solio Magnesium Solar Hybrid Charger is a terrific concept that does not seem to work as represented. It did, however, partially charge my cell phone. After more than 5 days of exposure to direct sunlight, the indicator light showed a 40% charge. I was never able to achieve more than that. Either the device will not fully charge or the indicator light is inaccurate, but either way, the thing does not work properly, as other reviews appear to corroborate. Too bad.
The point being, there seem to be a "passive" charge going on but not enough where you can actually charge and use. I tried turning my battery off and then plug the iphone into the Solio, the battery indicator stayed the same or there was a slight lost of power within a 15-20 minutes interval.
However, I used it once or twice and it was a total disappointment. I bought this for the sole purpose of charging my iphone in case where I am away from a computer or outlet.
Even if I plugged the Solio into an outlet and also plug my iphone into the Solio; my iphone still loses power. I had previously charged the Solio internal battery using the outlet to a full charge.
I plugged the iphone into the Solio, yet it cannot keep an active charge rate. Maybe I didn't give it enough time to charge.
In order to actually charge, you probably need to leave your cell phone off, and give it a good 4 hours or more.
The industrial design is great. After I used it on my iPhone, I've had it in the sun for about 4 days.still sitting at 25% charge. The unit is seems very solid and simple to use. I plugged my new Solio into the wall to charge for the first time. This is not very practical for much of anything. Bummer - great idea.
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