LF Solar Charger Recommendation

[ah123]

I am looking for a solar charger (traveller size) that would work with an iPad. There are a number of products out there, but no indication anywhere of "bang for buck".

Anyone here have "real world" experience with solar chargers for iPad/iPhone/BB etc?

Clarification: I will be using this for a trip to Africa, and given the frequent power outages there, want to minimize my dependency on on local power sources as much as possible (and we're not staying in a hotel, so no generators etc)

[ken0042]

Does it have to be solar? I'm just thinking that with the extra power required on the iPad that solar might not give enough juice.

I do own a Duracell Portable charger and have used it with my iPhone 3GS. It gives my iPhone about 50-60% back into the battery. I haven't tried it with my iPad yet, so I will give it a try and let you know.

[freedogger]

I'd double what Ken0042 says, why solar? Are you going to be in the bush away from a vehicle or generator for more than a week?. If less than a week, I think there are products that will recharge an ios device with 4 or more double a batts or the Durracell portable charger.

Otherwise, there are ios power cords that will work off of car, computer usb and 120/220 ac outlets.

[Rathji]

Either of these might do the trick and certainly for a better price than the Duracell. The Duracell seems to have 1150 mAh, compared to the 1000 and 1400 for those 2 from monoprice.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Either of these might do the trick and certainly for a better price than the Duracell. The Duracell seems to have 1150 mAh, compared to the 1000 and 1400 for those 2 from monoprice.

The issue I see is that even that Duracell unit has 1/2 the capacity of an iPad 2 battery, and about 1/4 the capacity of an iPad 3 battery. So not only is the iPad going to charge slowly, since the USB output on the charger will almost certainly be low power (constrained to 500 milliamps), its not going to be enough to put a full charge on the iPad. It's unlikely, due to inefficiencies, you'll even get half a charge on the iPad per full charge of the unit.

If it has to be solar (or if solar is truly desired, I respect that too), I'd look into what is available for camping - there are certainly larger, but higher powered, units available that these small cell-phone oriented units.

[sclitheroe]

Maybe something like this?
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Electr...ro-charger.jsp

Notice the difference in size compared to those small ones - that's the other key. I had a small Solio solar charger, but it took probably 2 days to fully recharge its own battery, before it could put out enough juice to sustain charging even an iPod. (although the sun will be stronger in Africa, obviously)

[Traditional_Ale]

I sell exactly what you need. It's a portable solar panel by GoalZero that comes with a 12V DC (cig lighter) outlet that you plug into. Should charge an iPad in three hours. Call me at Battery World. 403 571 3630.

[ken0042]

Just to update; my Duracell charger really won't charge my iPad2. I plug it in and the iPad says "not charging." I left it for 20 minutes on standby and it went from 65% to 68%. My guess is the device would give you a 10-15% boost in battery; which really wouldn't be worth it.

[Sr. Mints]

Having recently caught up on Jericho, Surviors, and The Walking Dead, I think solar power is the smarter choice.