In recent years we have been using more and more portable devices that rely upon batteries. But of course, batteries run out, and unless you have got access to more you can’t use your device. Unless you have something like the Freelader Solar Battery and it’s sunny. It can be used with many devices such as iPods (with adaptor), PSPs, phones and most MP3 players. We take a look at it and see how useful it actually turns out to be…

The internal 1000mAh battery inside the Freeloader Solar Battery requires about five hours (in normal sunlight, when outside) to fully charge its internal battery via solar power, or 3 hours via the supplied USB cable. Charging via the solar panels takes longer when charging on a cloudy day, or when indoors (and behind glass). While charging (both by solar power and usb) it can still be powering devices. Once charged it’ll hold its charge for about three months, and the battery itself is expected to have a lifetime of approximately 7-10 years, however it can be replaced with another one.

Once charged the battery is full of power, and can power an iPod for 2 hours, 2 hours talk time on a mobile phone, PSP for 2.5 hours, and PDAs for about 20 hours.

Many adaptors are included with the Freeloader. The full list of devices the Freeloader supports are as follows (quoted from their website):

1) LG Chocolate series phones
2) Motorola V66 series and current V3 series phones
3) All Nokia current and N series phones
4) Samsung A288 and current D800 series phones
5) Sony Ericsson T28 and current K750 series phones
6) 4mm straight jack for Sony PSP, Tom Tom sat nav, digital camera’s, PDA’s and two-way radio’s
7) Mini USB for Blackberry Smart phones, Bluetooth headsets etc
8) USB 2.0 female socket for iPod, iPod Shuffle, MP3 players, smart phones, PDA’s, GPS plus much more
9) Nintendo DS lite connector
10) Supports iPod, iPod shuffle & iPod video up to and including 60Gb (will support 80Gig with optional iPod Connector)

On the side of the Freeloader Solar Battery there are some LEDs to show when it is being charged up.

The Freeloader is very small at just 123mm x 62m x 17mm, which is handy when you have to carry it alongside your other portable devices. The outer case is made out of aluminium. It looks very nice and seems to be very though.

The device is very easy to use, and extremely handy if you often take out quite a few portable devices, and at a cost of about £30 it is quite reasonable (especially considering the wide range of devices supported). Rating: 8/10.

To find out more, please refer to solartechnology.co.uk/products/Solar_chargers/freeloader.asp