Macworld Expo – First Look – Solio

Solio solar power source and charger
www.solio.com
$119 (iPod)
$99 (cellphone)

Solar power.

Mobile power.

Recyclable components.

MyMac.com got a first look at BetterEnergySystems’ Solio, a solar powered portable energy source.

The Solio is a small device with three wing-shaped solar panels that fan out into a small, flower-like array. Inside the central section from which the panels unfold is a smart lithium-ion battery. The panels charge the battery, which provides power to run or recharge your iPod, cell phone or other mobile device.

Solio is capable of over eight watts of power output from its battery, so you can run most any portable device, except laptops. Obviously, the greater the draw, the shorter Solio’s battery can provide the juice. However, on a normally sunny day, Solio’s panels can provide enough output to charge its internal battery while the battery powers your device!

If you happen to summer near the South Pole (or winter near the North Pole), and suffer from no daylight at all, you can also charge Solio’s internal battery from regular AC wall power.

The Solio can be outfitted with an iPod connector (third or fourth generation iPod), or with connectors for various cell phones.

BetterEnergySystems is focused on being environmentally friendly. After demoing Solio, CEO and founder Christopher Hornor showed us the iTread, a case for the Solio, that’s made from 100% recycled materials. Most of the iTread comes from recycled truck tires. In spite of being mostly "used tires" the iTread has a nice fit and finish.

Solio’s smart battery should provide at least 500 complete charge discharge cycles, and the solar panels themselves are designed to last 15+ years.

I was impressed with Hornor, Solio, and the iTread. He has a product that allows you to be both mobile and energy conscious at the same time.

MyMac.com will have photos of Solio and iTread in the near future.

Both Solio and iTread are being introduced tomorrow at the MacWorld convention. Solio fitted with an iPod connector is priced at US $119, while the cellphone version is US $99.