Kalout
I do a lot of camping, and something a very commonly do (as I would assume a lot of people might) is bring along a cell phone, iPod, etc. On short camping trips I generally tend to buy a 24 pack of batteries and just use that with a USB charger, but on longer camping trips (usually about a week) I'll eat through those batteries within a few days. What's a cheaper solution to charge my stuff, as well as keep it as light and cost efficient as possible? (and the ability to get a full AC charging port would be great too).
Answer
I also own the Goal Zero Guide 10 setup, which includes a solar panel you can hang over your backpack while hiking or from your tent or a tree while stationary and a 4xAA battery pack (which handles 4xAAA batteries with an adapter). The Goal Zero's solar performance in bright sunshine is pretty good. I can usually fully recharge 8x AA Goal-Zero batteries (4 batteries at a time) throughout a single day in bright sunlight. Even under the cover of light foliage or hazy skies, the Goal-Zero can fully charge at least one set of batteries. Under heavy cloud cover the solar panel doesn't provide enough benefit to deploy. However, after a several trips I seldom bring the solar panel with me anymore. I find its more convenient, and more efficient in terms of space and weight, to just bring the Goal Zero battery pack and as many spare batteries as I think I'll need to recharge my iPhone or replace batteries in my other gear.
The battery-pack portion of the Guide is both a recharger for AA and AAA batteries, and a battery-driven power supply for USB-powered devices. Using fully-charged rechargeable AA or lithium primary (disposable) AA batteries, I can use this battery pack to recharge my iPhone from 10% to 100% and still have juice left in the batteries (about 10% for rechargeable AA's, or as much as 50% for lithium primary AA's). You can also use the solar panel to directly charge USB devices such as the iPhone, but I find that doesn't work well unless the panel is stationary in bright, direct sunlight.
Making the best use of your devices is a key to surviving long trips. As I mentioned at the start, I don't usually bother bringing the Goal Zero solar panels with me anymore. It's not that they don't work, though they are affected by weather and tree cover. It's just that I don't usually find it necessary to recharge batteries on the trail. I learned that between using my electronic devices sparingly and carrying a good supply of spare batteries, I have no trouble making it through a week with just a handful of extra batteries. I usually opt for lithium primary batteries because they provide more power and are half the weight of rechargeables, although the price does add up. I normally bring 12xAA lithium, 6xAAA lithium, and two spare camera batteries with me on an outing, and rarely use more than 4xAA and one spare camera battery. This is using the iPhone 1 or 2 hours a day, GPS occasionally to check and mark my location, a compact digital camera, and a LED headlamp and flashlight for a few hours each night.
There are some battery packs that can provide much more DC power, and even AC power, but these are far too bulky and heavy to bring backpacking (8+ pounds and the size of a large lunch box). Also, these types of power packs cannot be recharged in the field, they must be plugged into an AC power source or car cigarette lighter jack for several hours. So they are not suitable for backpacking (I assume you're backpacking, as otherwise your vehicle is an excellent source of power, either DC or AC with an inverter).
Light and cost-effective are relative terms. If you want the lightest setup, just go with lithium primary batteries and the Goal Zero Guide 10+ battery pack (~$36 with 4xAA rechargeable batteries). Lithium primary (disposable) batteries are about half the weight of NiMH rechargeable batteries and cost around $2/each. If you want cost-effective, the Guide 10 kit (battery pack plus solar panel and 4xAA batteries) can be found for around $90, and add a couple extra 4-packs of rechargeable batteries. Each 4-pack of Goal Zero rechargeable batteries costs around $14 (and you can use other brands, such as Sanyo Eneloop, at lower cost).
Based on my experience and preferences, I'd suggest the Goal Zero Guide 10 battery pack and either lithium primary batteries to save weight, or rechargeable batteries to save cost (and waste) over the long term. I'd only consider getting the solar panel if I was base-camping in fixed locations several days in the backcountry.
I also own the Goal Zero Guide 10 setup, which includes a solar panel you can hang over your backpack while hiking or from your tent or a tree while stationary and a 4xAA battery pack (which handles 4xAAA batteries with an adapter). The Goal Zero's solar performance in bright sunshine is pretty good. I can usually fully recharge 8x AA Goal-Zero batteries (4 batteries at a time) throughout a single day in bright sunlight. Even under the cover of light foliage or hazy skies, the Goal-Zero can fully charge at least one set of batteries. Under heavy cloud cover the solar panel doesn't provide enough benefit to deploy. However, after a several trips I seldom bring the solar panel with me anymore. I find its more convenient, and more efficient in terms of space and weight, to just bring the Goal Zero battery pack and as many spare batteries as I think I'll need to recharge my iPhone or replace batteries in my other gear.
The battery-pack portion of the Guide is both a recharger for AA and AAA batteries, and a battery-driven power supply for USB-powered devices. Using fully-charged rechargeable AA or lithium primary (disposable) AA batteries, I can use this battery pack to recharge my iPhone from 10% to 100% and still have juice left in the batteries (about 10% for rechargeable AA's, or as much as 50% for lithium primary AA's). You can also use the solar panel to directly charge USB devices such as the iPhone, but I find that doesn't work well unless the panel is stationary in bright, direct sunlight.
Making the best use of your devices is a key to surviving long trips. As I mentioned at the start, I don't usually bother bringing the Goal Zero solar panels with me anymore. It's not that they don't work, though they are affected by weather and tree cover. It's just that I don't usually find it necessary to recharge batteries on the trail. I learned that between using my electronic devices sparingly and carrying a good supply of spare batteries, I have no trouble making it through a week with just a handful of extra batteries. I usually opt for lithium primary batteries because they provide more power and are half the weight of rechargeables, although the price does add up. I normally bring 12xAA lithium, 6xAAA lithium, and two spare camera batteries with me on an outing, and rarely use more than 4xAA and one spare camera battery. This is using the iPhone 1 or 2 hours a day, GPS occasionally to check and mark my location, a compact digital camera, and a LED headlamp and flashlight for a few hours each night.
There are some battery packs that can provide much more DC power, and even AC power, but these are far too bulky and heavy to bring backpacking (8+ pounds and the size of a large lunch box). Also, these types of power packs cannot be recharged in the field, they must be plugged into an AC power source or car cigarette lighter jack for several hours. So they are not suitable for backpacking (I assume you're backpacking, as otherwise your vehicle is an excellent source of power, either DC or AC with an inverter).
Light and cost-effective are relative terms. If you want the lightest setup, just go with lithium primary batteries and the Goal Zero Guide 10+ battery pack (~$36 with 4xAA rechargeable batteries). Lithium primary (disposable) batteries are about half the weight of NiMH rechargeable batteries and cost around $2/each. If you want cost-effective, the Guide 10 kit (battery pack plus solar panel and 4xAA batteries) can be found for around $90, and add a couple extra 4-packs of rechargeable batteries. Each 4-pack of Goal Zero rechargeable batteries costs around $14 (and you can use other brands, such as Sanyo Eneloop, at lower cost).
Based on my experience and preferences, I'd suggest the Goal Zero Guide 10 battery pack and either lithium primary batteries to save weight, or rechargeable batteries to save cost (and waste) over the long term. I'd only consider getting the solar panel if I was base-camping in fixed locations several days in the backcountry.
Good websites for electrical technology/gadgets?
my words f
So I was just wondering what good/popular sites are around.
For keeping up to date with up and coming technology/gadgets/electrical stuff etc.
Also for help with that kind of thing.
Is their a particlarly well known/top site?
(Like IMDB is for films.)
Thanks for helping!
Answer
Dear My wordsâ¦
I love new ELECTRONICS and GADGETS, and am happy to share some of my favorite sites:
For keeping up to date with the latest, consider CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOWS (They tend to FEATURE new electronic gadgets, and their web pages may include some ideas.) Msn.com maintains a link to the CES postings:
http://tech.msn.com/guides/ces/default.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Electronics_Show
And, this website is ENTIRELY DEVOTED to your requested topic. This is how they describe themselves: âTechopolis is a digest of Technology Trends, Hot New Gadgets and Cool Toys discovered by our global network of trend hunters.â
http://www.techopolis.com/
Here is a CONSUMER REPORTS offering. This is what they say: âWe've listed the best electronics gear from our Ratings on the pages that follow. We also present First Looks at intriguing items we're still testing. Products are in Ratings order within categories, and the prices are approximate retail.â
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/news/2008/01/last-minute-gifts-1-08/overview/gifts-ov.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=gadgets
And, another link to CONSUMER REPORTS: QUOTE: âNo marketplace moves faster than that for electronics, where new models can appear and disappear in mere months and where prices (especially for the hottest products) can change weekly and even daily.â
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2007/01/welcome_to_our_.html
Here is what FOX NEWS has about PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY. âTechnology in Your Life. Recent stories on hardware, software, the Internet, cell phones, portable media players and digital television.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/personaltechnology/index.html
You might want to join in the FORUMS dedicated to NEW TECHNOLOGY GADGETS. Here is a link to one:
http://www.precharge.net/forums/technolo...
Here's one, with a WIDE VARIETY:
http://search.redenvelope.com/search/controller_search.jsp?giftRes=yes&envSuff=&BV_SessionID=@@@@0663181057.1179762354@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdladdklghhlidcefecefedfgfdfmf.0&ipsResQlt=75&srRelColl=1&N=8205&vpb=valueadd&cm_mmc=Google-_-Content-_-Gadgets-_-gadgets
Want more ? OK:
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65607.html?tcp=Electronic-featured-DiscoveryW
http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=203
http://gadgetsgalorestore.com/catid.php?catid=9
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/zune-to-hit-canada-with-a-smaller-lineup/
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/topcat/pcat__2
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=6&name=Electronic-Gadgets
Here is one which I enjoy visiting, because it has a unique business model. They offer one product (mostly, but not exclusively electronic) each day, at a price always far below other places. The daily item goes on sale at midnight. You may buy one, two or three of them, maximum. Shipping is always $5.00 no matter how big or small it is. When the item sells out, thatâs all, folks!
Sometimes they sell out within a couple hours. They have a sense of humpr, too. Even their name is funny. Itâs WOOT. (BTW, Merriam Websterâs Dictionary has named woot as; âthe word of the yearâ)
http://www.woot.com/
Also, last, BUT NOT LEAST, browse Yahoo Questions under Consumer Electronics. I have learned about MANY new things here by JUST LOOKING at posted questions and their answers. Best of all, you get to see a variety of answers about new gadgets, and find out which answers are HIGHLY RATED, and BEST !
Once you have found a goodie you like, you can find the best deal at the âPricing Guidesâ sites, and find Product Ratings, too:
http://www.pricewatch.com/
http://www.bizrate.com/
http://www.resellerratings.com/
http://www.epinions.com/elec?tab=1
I hope this helps you find some cool stuff to enjoy !
Dear My wordsâ¦
I love new ELECTRONICS and GADGETS, and am happy to share some of my favorite sites:
For keeping up to date with the latest, consider CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOWS (They tend to FEATURE new electronic gadgets, and their web pages may include some ideas.) Msn.com maintains a link to the CES postings:
http://tech.msn.com/guides/ces/default.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Electronics_Show
And, this website is ENTIRELY DEVOTED to your requested topic. This is how they describe themselves: âTechopolis is a digest of Technology Trends, Hot New Gadgets and Cool Toys discovered by our global network of trend hunters.â
http://www.techopolis.com/
Here is a CONSUMER REPORTS offering. This is what they say: âWe've listed the best electronics gear from our Ratings on the pages that follow. We also present First Looks at intriguing items we're still testing. Products are in Ratings order within categories, and the prices are approximate retail.â
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/news/2008/01/last-minute-gifts-1-08/overview/gifts-ov.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=gadgets
And, another link to CONSUMER REPORTS: QUOTE: âNo marketplace moves faster than that for electronics, where new models can appear and disappear in mere months and where prices (especially for the hottest products) can change weekly and even daily.â
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2007/01/welcome_to_our_.html
Here is what FOX NEWS has about PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY. âTechnology in Your Life. Recent stories on hardware, software, the Internet, cell phones, portable media players and digital television.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/personaltechnology/index.html
You might want to join in the FORUMS dedicated to NEW TECHNOLOGY GADGETS. Here is a link to one:
http://www.precharge.net/forums/technolo...
Here's one, with a WIDE VARIETY:
http://search.redenvelope.com/search/controller_search.jsp?giftRes=yes&envSuff=&BV_SessionID=@@@@0663181057.1179762354@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdladdklghhlidcefecefedfgfdfmf.0&ipsResQlt=75&srRelColl=1&N=8205&vpb=valueadd&cm_mmc=Google-_-Content-_-Gadgets-_-gadgets
Want more ? OK:
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65607.html?tcp=Electronic-featured-DiscoveryW
http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=203
http://gadgetsgalorestore.com/catid.php?catid=9
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/zune-to-hit-canada-with-a-smaller-lineup/
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/topcat/pcat__2
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=6&name=Electronic-Gadgets
Here is one which I enjoy visiting, because it has a unique business model. They offer one product (mostly, but not exclusively electronic) each day, at a price always far below other places. The daily item goes on sale at midnight. You may buy one, two or three of them, maximum. Shipping is always $5.00 no matter how big or small it is. When the item sells out, thatâs all, folks!
Sometimes they sell out within a couple hours. They have a sense of humpr, too. Even their name is funny. Itâs WOOT. (BTW, Merriam Websterâs Dictionary has named woot as; âthe word of the yearâ)
http://www.woot.com/
Also, last, BUT NOT LEAST, browse Yahoo Questions under Consumer Electronics. I have learned about MANY new things here by JUST LOOKING at posted questions and their answers. Best of all, you get to see a variety of answers about new gadgets, and find out which answers are HIGHLY RATED, and BEST !
Once you have found a goodie you like, you can find the best deal at the âPricing Guidesâ sites, and find Product Ratings, too:
http://www.pricewatch.com/
http://www.bizrate.com/
http://www.resellerratings.com/
http://www.epinions.com/elec?tab=1
I hope this helps you find some cool stuff to enjoy !
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