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(More customer reviews)This product (KODAK Solar Charger KS100-C+2 - Solar charger 2 x AA NiMH 2100 mAh) is very similar to another under the UltraLast brand name (UltraLast Green Solar 2 AA/USB Charger with 2 AA Everyday Precharged Batteries). The two chargers' electrical specifications are similar. The differences being:
- The Kodak charger is black, while the UltraLast charger is white.
- The Kodak charger is slightly more weather-resistant. Its USB port is covered by a rubber seal when unused.
- The Kodak package contains only a USB-USB charging cable. The UltraLast package includes two extra adapters for mini- and micro-USB ports - very useful for cell phone charging.
As to the solar charger itself: it may seem like a very versatile, multi-functional product. However, upon closer examination, those functions turn out to be poorly implemented:
1. The solar panel is quite small (4x7cm). Even under direct sunlight at noon time, with the panel perpendicular to the sun beam, the maximum charging current is just 100mA. In real life it will take about 3 sunny days to fully recharge a pair of 2100mAh cells. When I placed this solar charger under the windshield of my car, the charging current dropped by 50% because the glass is UV-filtered.
2. When powered from an USB port, the two internal AA cells are continuously being charged at about 180mA. The problem is there is no 'charging done' signal. The little LED indicator simply remains on forever, even when there are no batteries inserted. You have to unplug the USB cable after about 14 hours, to prevent over-charging of internal batteries.
3. When used as a USB power source, the 5V output it generates is limited to 300mA max., which is lower than the 500mA from a normal USB port. I have used it successfully to recharge my Philips GoGear Aria MP3 Player, using a generic 'USB to mini-USB' cable. However, I'm unable to use it to recharge someone else's Kodak Easyshare camera, because the current requirement is too high.
So in summary, the Kodak Solar charger is yet another example of "Jack of all trades, master of none". It is still a reasonable value if you can use it as a cell-phone charger. Too bad there are no phone adapters included in this package.
Click Here to see more reviews about: KODAK Solar Charger KS100-C+2 - Solar charger 2 x AA NiMH 2100 mAh
Harness the sun's power to charge your favorite gadget on the go with the KODAK Solar Charger KS100-C+2. The charger powers any USB-chargeable device, like your MP3 player or cell phone, to provide up to 33 hours of additional run time. The rechargeable AA batteries inside are powered up by the sun's rays and even indoor lighting so you don't need to be plugged in to be turned on. No need to wait- the solar charger keeps your device running and recharges it at the same time. Stay powered up, wherever, whenever.Charge any USB device on the go and get up to 33 hours of additional run time[1]Easy to use-connect your USB gadget with its USB cable to the solar charger's standard USB port3 convenient ways to charge the charger-sunlight, lamp light, or USB-in (USB to USB cord included)Removable rechargeable batteries in the power pack provide a great power alternative for any AA battery device (2 AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2100mAh) included)Solar and device charging indicator lightFold-out stand for optimal solar positioning, or use the hang hook to wear the charger while walking or bicyclingPackage Contents1 KODAK Solar Charger KS1002 KODAK Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries AA (2100 mAh)USB to USB cable"Millions of consumers rely on multiple devices for work and play, and need dependable sources of power for them anytime, anywhere," says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "Our new KODAK chargers provide reliable portable power and hours of extended run time for any USB-charging compatible gadget."? ENERGY STAR® qualified;? Achieves full charge in 14 hours via USB-in, 28 hours via sunlight;? Solar and device charging indicator;The KODAKSolar Charger KS100-C+2 retails for US $39.95 MSRP beginning in September, 2009.
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