GadgetKing is a big fan of everything solar, solar just makes sense. The Kiwi U-Powered Solar & USB Portable Charger is similar to the Scosche solBAT II but has a few more solar panels and a ton of attachments. Read on for the full review of the Kiwi U-Powered Solar Charger.
Kiwi Choice "“ U-Powered USB Portable Solar Charger
We have had the luxury of playing with several portable solar chargers and as you might imagine some are better than others while none are perfect. The Kiwi Choice U-Powered solar charger is a good product for the price ($49.99 here). The U-Powered has three small solar panels that fold out to a small throwing star looking gadget, similar to the Solio. This is nice because the unit folds up to a portable form factor when not in use and still gives you the benefit of three panels. The device can be charged via solar, USB, car charger, or AC adapter. Charging via USB or AC adapter takes about 4 hours while solar can take about 17 hours. Once charged, the large 2000mAh Lithium Polymer battery will hold a charge for at least six months. The battery can be charged around 1000 times in its life. Nice.
The U-Powered comes with tips to charge 11 different types of gadgets, cell phones, etc. Some items/manufacturers in the list include; Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Sony, Motorola, Palm, Nintendo DS, Bluetooth headsets, MP3 players, GPS, eBook, and Kindle. Sorry folks it doesn't have enough juice to charge the iPad. No need to shop for different charge tips, Kiwi Choice included just about everything.
There are two buttons on the U-Powered solar charger, one for a 3 LED flashlight (nice) and one which lights up the a circle ring to let you know remaining battery capacity.
4 indicator lights: 95%-100% remaining power
3 indicator lights: 65%-95% remaining power
2 indicator lights: 35%-65% remaining power
1 indicator lights: 15%-35% remaining power
Good
- High capacity 2000mAh Lithium Polymer battery
- Tons of charging options (Car, AC, USB, Solar)
- 3 solar panels
- 11 Device connector tips
- LED flashlight
- Magnetic holder
- $49.99 price
Bad
- Build quality is just ok
- Can't charge the iPad