Energizer Solar Flip : Go Solar Wherever You Go

Despite all the USB-powered devices, I still have some essential travel items that run on AA and AAA batteries. My flashlight, my alarm clock, my headlamp.

Energizer's Solar Flip battery charger is a great home and travel accessory. I can charge two batteries at a time, using the solar panel or by plugging in the unit to the wall. The model I tested must have been for the European market because it came with adapters for Europe and the UK/Ireland, but no U.S. adapter. No problem, I leave the charger on a small table next to my window every day. When I need the batteries, I just take them out and use them.

The Solar Flip also has a built-in LED flashlight, which is always nice to have, especially when traveling. It has two modes: a steady beam and a flashing beam. Another handy travel feature - the charger unit if fairly weatherproof. I wouldn't leave it sitting out in the rain, but I also don't worry about getting caught in a downpour when I'm walking around town with my pack on my back.

Once my batteries are charged, I can also use the USB port to charge my many handheld devices. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it to work with my cell phone, which identifies the charger as an "unauthorized charger." I will have to check with Verizon about this and get back to you. Nope, I was wrong. I was using the wrong cable. As I type, my Energizer Solar Flip is charging my cell phone. Since I haven't let the charger soak in the sun for a couple of weeks, and because I'm eager to test out another Energizer brand charger, I'll wait until a few power bars show and top off using the Energi To Go charger kit.

The Solar kit comes with a plug in and two adapters, two AA batteries, and the charger. The charger is designed to shut off when the batteries are charged, so there's no risk of "over" charging them. If I want to check the status of my charging batteries, I can press a button on the side of the flip to see a little screen that shows their progress.

Make sure you use a USB cable that is able to carry a charge from the charger to your hand-held device. My initial attempts to charge my phone failed because I used a USB cable from another device. When I used the cable that comes with the Energi To Go kit, the sun power started flowing. Nice.

Eco Creds: solar powered!!!!

Bottom Line: I will never buy regular batteries again. Charging and recharging batteries is my ultimate multi-tasking event becuase I just leave the Solar Flip in the sun until I need it, then go about my business.--E.D. (Oct 09)

Buy Online : $50

Manufacturer's Site: www.energizer.com

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