Voltaic generator
A briefcase bomb from the peacenik crowd
By Michael Newman |
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From simple farming to complex town-powering solar panels, humans have for centuries harnessed the power of our star. Now, so has your tote. Voltaic Systems has released a solar powered laptop bag.
The evolution of technology does not need eons required to obliterate those damned dinosaurs, but rather moves at the speed of electrons, as silicon-chip based transistors diminish in size and increase in power. How can I be blamed for getting excited about a bag fitted with new high-efficiency solar cells and battery storage system that can provide up to 15 watts of power to my electronics at any hour?
The voltaic generator laptop briefcase. Pretty cool, if you ask us!
The voltage is variable, allowing the tote to power any number of small devices, and comes with an array of adapters. The case charges in just five hours of exposure, and even allows laptop use completely off "the grid." You can be a solar pioneer, living at one with whatever is left of nature, and still check e-mails from your stockbroker. Jonathan Raester, adopting the technology early here in Columbus, uses his at the coffee shop. While others huddle around electrical outlets, competing for grid power, he picks a place in the sun and surfs the net while snagging a tan.
According to Raester, the battery indicator doesn't drop at all. He says he is very happy with his purchase, and he expects more people to make the switch very soon.
The price, as with all new products, is steep at around $600, but more people like Jonathan are likely to see the benefits of this modern marvel - and the price tag will likely decrease as competitors and consumers catch on. That decentralized power grid we all want seems just around the corner from there, doesn't it? With a future this bright, I gotta wear... okay, I'll spare you, but I reserve the right to say I told you so.
Originally Published: August 1, 2009
