| The last solar power backup device we reviewed | | | | a standard mains charger so that devices can still be |
| was the Powermonkey eXplorer by Powertraveller | | | | charged even if there is low or no |
| which really opened our eyes to the concept of mobile | | | | light.eCharger-canvas-bag-content - We tested the |
| device charging using sunlight. More and more products | | | | device using a couple of Nokia phones as well as an |
| of this type are entering the market in different forms | | | | iPod classic and found that the solar panel performed |
| and with different price tags. | | | | well as long as sufficient light levels were available, |
| Enter the eCharger canvas satchel bag a fairly funky | | | | which during the last few weeks in the UK winter has |
| looking canvas bag with one big difference, a large | | | | meant outside. Due to the cold weather we were |
| solar panel is prominently placed on the front of the | | | | unable to test charging times, but from our estimation |
| bag behind a durable thick plastic screen. The bag itself | | | | based on our testing and calculations from the included |
| is very sturdy: manufactured in thick canvas in a lime | | | | data sheet we predicted that depending on the |
| green/white colour scheme and has a thick white | | | | rechargeable batteries used in the charger (we used |
| leather strap for carrying around, again of good quality. | | | | 1300maH) we could charge the average mobile phone |
| The basic concept behind the bag is that the on board | | | | around four times if the rechargeable batteries were |
| solar panel charges up four AAA rechargeable | | | | fully charged, definitely useful for regular travellers. |
| batteries which can in turn be used to provide backup | | | | We think the eCharger canvas satchel bag would |
| power or charge up a variety of devices, such as | | | | make an excellent travel companion whether just for |
| mobile phones, PDAs, handheld gaming devices (PSP | | | | students or regular travellers, providing backup power |
| etc), MP3 players and cameras through a 6V outlet. | | | | whenever required as long as there is sunlight. |
| The bag we were sent came with pretty much every | | | | eCharger bags retail for around £40-50 bringing |
| type of tip for each of these devices so it would | | | | them within the grasp of most peoples budget for |
| seem that only those with very exotic devices would | | | | travel accessories and the bags come with a |
| have to source alternative power tips. Also included is | | | | standard 1 year warranty. |