Solio Magnesium solar-powered charger launches

"Plug into the sun"

12 May 2008 15:59 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Better Energy Systems has launched the Solio Magnesium, a solar powered charger that claims to combine the most efficient solar cells with a powerful internal battery to collect and store power.

The Solio Magnesium, described as "the world's most advanced hybrid charger", has a rugged magnesium alloy shell and offers a solution to powering "virtually all" hand-held electronic devices.

Offering a 40% power storing improvement over the Solio Classic, the Magnesium can accept power from either a socket or sunlight and then uses this energy to charge gadgets at the same rate as if they were plugged in to the wall.

The Solio Magnesium stores energy in its rechargeable battery and will hold the charge for up to a year. A full Magnesium will charge the average mobile approximately three times while 1 hour of sun will power an iPod for an hour or provide 25 minutes of talk time on a mobile.

Complete with interchangeable tips including for mobiles, PDAs, music players, digital cameras, GPS systems and game consoles, the Solio Magnesium retails from £99.99 and is available now.