Solio Solar Charger advice please

[Artemis]

Hi there...

Off to sunnier climes at the beginning of next month and interested in getting a Solar charger for my various gadgets.

I've read quite a few reviews on different ones and the Solio Classic keeps popping up and looks like it may be just what I'm looking for.

I only really have the usual things like PDA phone (Vario2) and iPod that I'd need to charge.

However I would also like if possible to be able to charge my Canon Ixus V with it too. I'm pretty sure that I can't just charge it using the supplied usb cable as that just works with sync'ing to laptop etc. So I basically need to take the battery charging unit with me that plugs into the wall.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could use the solio to do this?

Also I have the same issue with my Garmin Quest in that the USB cable doesn't allow charging. Any more thoughts?

I will have a vehicle so I know I could use the lighter socket, however I will be in a long queue with others wanting to change their various bits and bobs so I'd like to be totally self reliant.

Thanks for your time, Artemis.

 

[Wintrup]

Just be aware that a lot of the portable solar chargers don't quite generate enough power for lithium batteries. My one is 13W but it will not charge my PDA battery. For that I have to first charge some NiMH and then put them in a powerpack to charge the PDA battery.

 

[Artemis]

Hmmmm... yep good thoughts.

I'm pretty confident I can get the Solio working sufficiently, mostly based on other people's comments on how well the it works and the fact I'm off to Africa - 'land of the sun' (I Hope)

But will certainly check for sure it will actually do what I want.

Thanks

 

[Humpback]

I have a Solio and am pleased with its performance.
Alan

 

[MagiKelly]

It is worth looking at the Powermonkey Explorer. I am very pleased with mine but have not given it any really hard use yet. It comes with adaptors to power most common gadgets and more can be bought for less common ones.

 

[stickbow]

Hi There
I have a power monkey and did a write up on it last week (check powermonkey explorer)
I used it last weekend on a fairley bright day and it worked a treat, the solar unit charges up the monkey very well and the monkey then charges a mobile phone in about 1 hour the same as my mains charger and fully charges my I-pod in about 2 hours.
Check out their website http://www.powermonkey-explorer.com

"Have fun shoot a stick"

 

[Grooveski]

I had a look at the Solio in passing as it was stocked in a local electrical shop. Went for the Powermonkey Explorer because it had more capacity, is water resistant and simply feels better put together.
Also prefer the two-piece arrangement.

However I would also like if possible to be able to charge my Canon Ixus V with it too. I'm pretty sure that I can't just charge it using the supplied usb cable as that just works with sync'ing to laptop etc.

The Solio spec says 4-12v output so should charge the camera fine whether it's a 3.7v or 7.4v input. You'll just need the right adaptor. The monkey's output range is narrower and wouldn't do either of them.