Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger (Dark Grey)

PROs: Nice design, light weight, clip on top with tie-down point on bottom making it ideal for backpacking.CONS: The internal battery charge rate is FAR lower than the manual would lead you to believe.In real world use the Solio took about 5 days to charge from 20% to 100%.This was a mix of direct and indirect sunlight.Some problems:1. Even the slightest whisp of a cloud and the battery would stop charging.2. Even the slightest obstruction to the panel (example a 1" thick back-pack cord covering a small part of the panel), would stop it from charging.3. Angle to the sun needed to be perfect. Hanging it vertically off by pack was required during the morning, but once noon hit the panel needed to be moved to the top of the pack to charge. It needs to be angled to the sun at all times.The total power capacity is about equal to 4 low mAh AA batteries.Overall it's a lot of work, a lot of time and hassle for a very small amount of power.Another annoyance is these little adapters you need to carry in order to use the Solio. The proprietary power output cable attaches nicely to the Solio, but there is no room to leave and adapter connected. So even if you only use on adapter (like me with the USB), you need to carry it separately.Also, for serious backpacking future versions need to be built tougher and be water resistant.

I placed this item in direct sunlight (easy in Southern California) for varying times, including all day, and it just doesn't charge much! When left out all day, it picked up about a 20-25% charge.

It does what the box says it will do but overall I am not impressed with it.Each to their own, my needs included being able to charge from the sun and use it with a palm computer. This it can do but, the charging takes a long time. Obviously if the unit faces the sun it charges quicker. I found the extra care needed to get it to charge did nothing but give me extra work. I used it in Europe, Australia and Asia and it charged but so so so slowly.The carabiner led me to believe that it was a bit rugged. Not the case. I left it on the boat in the sun while I went diving . Some of the ocean spray got onto it and that I believe was the end of it. It now charges from the computer but doesn't charge my palm or phone.Overall I love the idea, a little bit more water resistance would be great. Now, I try to run my stuff of AA batteries and take 10 rechargables with me when I go camping. Unfortunately because the solar charging isn't useful it is basically a battery that you charge from your computer and then use to charge your devices in the field. Skip the computer step and use AA rechargables. ( I do have a solar powered aa battery charger that works but takes 1 week to charge 2 batteries when left outside unattended)I will be looking back at their site periodically to see if they come out with a product that will better suit my needs.Pros Look nice, it is a green product. Hooks onto your backpack. Email support was OK. Price is not too bad.Cons. Not really a solution for extended camping. Not water resistant enough. Just a battery pack.

I bought this so I could charge my iphone (which seems to never have a charge) when I was on a plane or near something sunny but not near a plug (e.g., a car). So far so good. You can also charge from your computer, although I think the typical iphone battery extenders are better for that.My only complaint is the size - it's much bigger than I anticipated - it's nearly twice the length of the iphone, the same width, and slightly more than half the thickness - it doesnt feel overly light and portable.However, I think it will be great when going camping as there wouldnt be any other way to charge the phone.

I do charge my IPOD & Nokia Phone with this now- atleast once in a month. Otherwise keep it for emergency power. Charging those Items once in a month helps to drain out the Solio Battery - & keep the health of the Battery safe. If emerygency doesnt occur & I keep using this Panel in this Charging-Recharging cycle, I must be able to use it for 300-400 Months :). Solar Panel quality is one of the best. Hopefully, my Kids will be able to use as well. Amazon's service is great.

While this looks like a great product, it does not charge up in sunlight as promised. I initially charged it up using the USB cable connected to my computer and it worked fine. When completed charging it was at full charge and I was able to charge up my Ipod Touch to full charge with no issues. I then put it in a south facing window with full sun and left it there for a couple of days. When done, I pressed the button on the bottom of the unit and it showed that it had only 1/5 of the charge. I then plugged in my Ipod touch and found that it did not charge at all. Very disapointing. I am returning this unit to the seller.

Still working, great support from the company to this day. Poor connector design but they've learned from their mistakes with their new products. I've not purchased the new stuff because I'm still enjoying the old.