By Kate Noonan
31 October 2008

Solio Portable Universal Hybrid Charger
Have you ever been out and about when your cell phone or iPod battery suddenly looses steam?  With the Solio Hybrid 1000, you never have to run out of power again, as long as you’re in the sun for a few hours. Meaning, if you spend most of your time in a windowless classroom, or sitting in the dark playing video games, this might not be an ideal tool. But, if you have a bright, sunny room or spend adequate time outdoors, the Hybrid 1000 is an energy efficient way to charge your phone, iPod, PDA, or digital camera, while remaining unplugged.

Iqua 603 SUN - Bluetooth® Wireless Headset
Selected as an honoree for the Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Awards, the Iqua 603 SUN blends convenience and environmentalism in one groundbreaking design. Modeled after an existing product, the SUN offers the same functionality as other Bluetooth headsets, allowing you to answer calls, dial by voice, and switch from phone to hands-free with the push of one button. But unlike its predecessors, the SUN uses an exterior photovoltaic solar cell to continuously charge its battery. If you have long hair, the device might not work exactly as described while you wear it, but you can still reap the benefits of solar energy by placing it in direct sunlight, like on your car’s dashboard or your window ledge.