Portable sun charger gadgets

Investing in a solar charger to give portable devices a boost when out and about would be a wise idea, and Korean company Zyrus has come up with something tidy and practical enough to hold genuine appeal, writes Gizmag.

The Sun Drive is a combination solar panel, USB drive and multi-charger and is more than portable enough to tuck away in a pocket or bag.

This makes its solar capabilities all the more impressive, though a full charge does require around 15 hours of sunlight so unless we manage to perfect charging at night its solar potential may be restricted to a quick emergency boost when necessary.

Users who wish to have wireless charging for gadgets can now watch out for the latest offering by Duracell, reports TechShout.

Along with the myGrid charging pad, the company has also rolled out its range of power solutions, including the Instant Charger, Powerhouse Charger, Pocket Charger, GoMobile, GoEasy and Daylite LED Flashlight.

The charging pad is compatible with iPods, the iPod touch, the iPhone, as well as handsets from Nokia, Motorola and RIM's BlackBerry. It can charge distinct devices like cellphones, music players and much more simultaneously.

The eight finalist entries of the Electrolux Design Lab 2009 competition, which reflect their designers' futuristic creations, have been announced, states Inventorspot.

They include everything from a robot food-grower for life on Mars, to a rain catcher and purifier that flies to a glass to pour drinking water.

The Design Lab competition has become one of the most popular design shows in London, with more than 900 entries from students in 50 countries this year. From the eight finalist entries, one will be selected for the coveted first prize: EUR5 000 (R55 700) and six months of paid internship at an Electrolux design centre.