A solar powered Bonsai tree, who would have thought?  Vivien Muller did.  Her design takes each end-point of the Bonsai tree and turns it into a small photocell.

Methodshop coined this as photovoltaic panels, but I like the term photogalactic a little better.  The unit recharges a hidden battery beneath the tray - which happens to be the same place as the wires for your gadgets - so even re-charging can take place during the night.  Of course USB support for those USB gadgets we all love.

As you can see, one could make a nice solor tree for their kitchen table or large office desk, but what if your space was a little more cramped?  Well, the USB solar Bonsai can be redesigned and shaped to any dimension of your liking.  It can spin, detach and rotate through small connectors.

So how much is this ingenious device cost?  Not much right now, it’s just a prototype.  Since this looks like such a great product, lets hope someone picks up the production rights.  Wouldn’t you say Vivien?

IOGear releases their version of the USB battery, with the GearJuice Rescue charger.  What IOGear has done differently from other battery shaped USB solution, is make a miniUSB connector for cell phones, PDAs and other handhelds rather than the traditional full sized USB connector.

The unit is just larger than a double A battery and will provide your device with an extra 15 minutes of performance.  Just enough time to call the bails-bondsman after getting the late night lock down because of too much party’in.

IOGear GearJuice Rescue Charger product page. (more…)

Power plug that charges USB style - I thought of this idea probably two years ago, no joke, but forgot about it just as quickly.  Well, yesterday I saw Technabob do a post about this exact concept - the power plug which charges via USB [from Eneplug].

As you may [or may not] know, USB will become the standard for cell phone charging.  I foresee USB branching out into other electronic gadgets as the main connectivity for juicing up.  So, this obviously means the power plug which charges via USB will only become more popular.

I think it’s a great idea, because as time progresses we can all use only  a single power cord to charge any device.  [For now, lets forget about the fact manufacturers need to jump on board with my line of thought].

In addition, I would think any serious traveler would jump at a device like this.  Look at how small it is.  This is all you’d need to charge your cell phone, iPod, PDA and even your laptop.

Eneplug is the company which makes this device and it’s currently available in Japan, but I see it coming over to the states in no time.  Shoot me an email if you see anything here - or I’ll update this when I find a US source.

Speaking of Source:  Technabob.

Irvine CA based Toshiba American (Digital Products Division) announced a newly designed Satellite laptop line with sleep and charge USB power concept…and we think it’s a winner.

The sleep-and-charge USB concepts makes it possible to charge and power electronic devices connected to the laptop without the laptop being powered-on or in sleep mode.

This is a simple yet revolutionary way USB power bus technology will begin working it’s way into our life.  With USB connectivity as the #1 method for peripheral connection to laptops and computers, the sleep-and-charge USB concept is brilliant.

 “Toshiba has long been a leader of innovation, and prides itself on creating solutions that make the digital lifestyle even better,” said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “With the development of the Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, Toshiba has developed an innovative technology that helps ensure that our digital products are ready for use at the moment we need them.”

As you know, the major shortcoming with today’s USB ports from either computers or laptops is the lack of power support while the host device is turned off.

I have reported on USB surge protectors which do basically the same thing, but that requires more gear for a traveling business person, the sleep-and-charge is built into the host system. (more…)

How good are bus powered USB devices?  That’s a good question and the answer depends upon the device and the application.  To start, let me summarize situations / products you could find problematic.  From here we can determine what & when “bus power” is best.

Most problem situations are with USB devices which require a heavy load of power.  Products such as USB disc [hard] drives, external USB CD or DVD burners etc.  With these products you need a lot of power, if you don’t get it, you have problems.  If the power running through the USB cable (the USB bus) to your device is not enough good chance the product will fail.  Problems such as drive failures, burning CD coasters or repetitive USB disconnects during operation.

With the larger USB hard drives coming out this is where you need to pay attention.  I would recommend against purchasing a “USB hard drive” where the drive itself runs from USB bus power.

But lets say you’ve covered your bases and purchased a USB hard drive with an external power adapter - now we must consider the connection to your computer?  Many times I’ve heard users making the connection via their (more…)

It’s called a USB rechargeable clip torch but I’m not sold on the term torch…sound like something needs to go up in flames. Rather, the rechargeable clip light uses a USB port on the back-end for juicing up during down time.

The convenient and portable LED light comes with a couple different clips so attachment can be made virtually anywhere. At just $14 the rechargeable light also affordable for just about anyone. The LED light portion and USB connect portion do rotate a full 180 so it’s fairly easy to get optimal positioning…as with this book clip light illustration.

The recharge part is done in about 3 hours however no specs where given on how long the USB clip light stays…well…lit.

Here is the USB rechargeable clip torch product page. Keep in mind (more…)

There must be a group of young guns at Thanko as their latest USB gadget is a well thought out USB charger bracelet designed for the youthful gamer.

I would say ideal for the kid in us who can’t put down their PSP, the USB charger bracelet lets you go a little longer to reach that high score, or talk into wee hours of the morning with your significant other. (more…)