PDA's are all about mobility, but there are two functions that still
require connection to another device. Those two things are
synchronization/program installation and power recharging. Now it is
possible to
use your device without ever syncing it, but you can not use it without
charging the battery. So how do you charge the battery while you are not
near a power outlet? Use the sun with ICP's iSun, a solar panel based
charging unit.
When you think about it, the iSun is an inventive idea
that really has practical applications. The iSun breaks the wires of
recharging, and forms a product that really is made for increasing
mobility.
One of the first things I noticed about the iSun is that it is a
universal product. You really do not need special adapters (except for
the connection tips, which are all included) to use the iSun. You can
use it with a PDA, cell phone, MP3 player, or other product. And it
does not stop there. If you have a device that takes a non-standard power
plug, but happens to have a cigarette lighter adapter, the iSun can
handle that as well. I was able to connect various DC 6V and 12V devices
to the iSun including my old GameBoy.
The iSun does not provide a large current for your PDA,
but it does provide enough to charge a PDA or PDA accessory. Setting up
the iSun is easy. First, open the iSun and while pointing it at the sun
press the check button to see if there is enough light. Then, connect
one of the power adapter cords to your device. In this case, I used my iPAQ 3640. Now the iPAQ should begin recharging. Assuming I had the iSun
pointed correctly, the light on my iPAQ began to flashing, showing it
was charging. I attempted to use my device, though the current was not
enough to sustain the power required to run the device and recharge the
battery.
The iSun worked adequately for charging my iPAQ, though
it worked much better recharging my PCMCIA iPAQ Sleeve. The iSun is
built for connection to multiple iSun's, and I think a second iSun may
have improved performance with my device. The form factor of the iSun is
nice. It is larger then a PDA, so it is not something that can really go
in your pocket, but it does easily fit in the glove box of my car or in
my backpack. ICP even went to the trouble of adding two pieces of
plastic on the bottom that can fold open to make a mini stand for
pointing the iSun at an angle.
Though I really like the idea behind the iSun and think
it is a useful product, it just does not perform like it really should.
However, remember I am in climate that is not prone to intense sun, so
the various days of testing may not have proved adequate for the iSun (though I do feel they should have
been enough for it). ICP did added a lot of nice features
to the product, including the 12V switch, easy device adaptation, light
check, stand (for angling), and multiple iSun connectivity. The iSun is
not something that will just go in my drawer, though I ca not rely on it
as a constant source for power. The iSun is cool and a good product, but
remember, it requires strong sunlight to work best.
Dave's Score - 7.0
This means, this product is a good product,
though has something which could be improved. This product has a
good design and/or application, and is something I might use though there are still areas for improvement. Weigh
the pros and cons before purchasing.
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