As many outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, involve time in the sun a solar charger is a good device to bring along. Singapore based Third Wave Power unveiled its new take on solar charges as last week’s Clean Energy Expo Asia (CEEA), introducing the mPowerpad, which captures and stores solar power to charge mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other devices via multiple USB ports. No real news there, but as anyone who has had a solar charger with a battery knows that left over juice typically just slowly drains way.
Unlike other solar charges this one, which is the size of a tablet PC, can also use the power it stores with built-in functionality including a built-in reading light, flashlight, radio and even a built-in ultrasonic insect repellent! mPowerpad features a unique gesture-based user interface that requires no button, knob or dial to operate the device. With no moving mechanical parts that could break down from manual wear and tear, and being water, dust- and drop-resistant, mPowerpad is built to withstand harsh weather and terrain conditions.
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The company behind the mPowerpad is led by former Hewlett-Packard executivies VS Hariharan and Lim Chuin Kiat, and has earned the distinction of being named “Most Eco-friendly Start-up” at Techventure 2011 in Singapore.
“mPowerpad is designed for people who often travel to remote places and need a serious solution to keep their gadgets and equipment up and running,” said VS Hariharan, Co-founder of Third Wave Power. “Other solar chargers in the market do not have more than one or two functions, or they lack durability and reliability. mPowerpad, however, delivers an affordable, sustainable boost to productivity, and benefits outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and households with no ready access to electricity.”
Third Wave Power plans to to begin shipping in early January of next year, with a recommended retail price of US$80 per unit.