Hybrid 1000 Charger

Comments about Better Energy Hybrid 1000 Charger:

I rate this item as okay - I like the concept, and the design is okay, however the actual performance is somewhat disappointing. An example of my recent use: It took 80% of the Solio 1000's full charge to take my iPhone from about 75% charged to Full. I then placed the Solio in full, direct sunlight (not even a cloud that day) for over 6 hours, but it would only charge up to around 60% (3 flashes on the charge indicator) even though not connected to anything.

I can only imagine how slowly it would recharge under less optimum conditions, like while hiking with it just attached on the outside of a pack. I think it is satisfactory as an emergency back-up battery, but I don't think it can be relied on for extended off-grid use of your portable electronic device without some sort of other power back-up.

Finally, for the price, I think they really could have included some sort of protective case or cover for it.

Comments about Better Energy Hybrid 1000 Charger:

bought it for a trekking trip to Everest base camp mainly to keep my cell phone charged. (you get good cell coverage to Namche and spotty to Lobuche). You must keep it facing at the sun almost directly which is impossible if your moving. The solar cell face scratches easily perhaps a stick on screen saver would be a good idea but I don't know if that would degrade the efficientcy. The main problem with this system at altitude and cold, is the failure of the cell battery to hold a charge even inside my coat pocket. The charger and cell system works great in a static environment in Louisiana even on a partly cloudy day. It is easy to tell when the system is charging (red Light) and charge level (green lights). I would recommend this charger if its application were within the physical and technilogical limits. There were no reviews on this product when I bought it. My purchase and use was a big field experiment. It will not work on a trip like I took.