Etón Corp. has released the Etón BoostSolar (http://bit.ly/10kx5JJ), a splash-proof, solar-powered backup battery pack designed to provide power to handheld devices. It’s available at Amazon.com and REI stores at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$99.99.
Equipped with an interchangeable, rechargeable lithium battery (5000 mAh) to fully charge most smartphones two and one half times, it also features a 5V/2A USB port for charging tablets. The BoostSolar will fully charge in 16 hours via the sun, or in seven hours by way of the Micro-USB DC input.
It can also charge multiple backup batteries in succession. Simply snap in a removable battery pack and allow it to charge, and then immediately replace it with another to gain unlimited backup power. Other features include a LED battery charge indicator, a rubberized and IPX-4-rated splash-proof exterior in addition to fastener holes and straps to hook to a backpack for portability.
