Lightweight, easy to use...what more can you ask for? This is my first solar charger, so I was a bit hesitant on which one to order. I finally went with this one because it said that it would also charge my laptop. I don't know if it will do that (next item to try), but it definitely charges my Walkman and Kindle. My only (very minor) gripe is that the instructions seem to have been cut off or they forgot to complete their information. The booklet tells you that there are 4 ways to charge the charger. 1: solar power (no kidding! lol) 2. USB (ok) and then...nada. Obviously, plugging it in is another choice, but there aren't any adaptors for that. So, so I used my Amazon Kindle cord w/adaptor (to change the USB to one for an electrical outlet) and then attached the appropriate plug for the device. The booklet said it would take around 4.5 hours to charge, but it was much, much faster than that.Update: the charger does NOT have enough power for my laptop, but I don't want to downgrade the rating for that. It works well for the smaller items, so next time I'll know to check the actual rating on power provided and what's needed for a particular item(sry, but I don't know the tech terms). I would definitely buy this item again.
Pros: convenient three panel design; not much bigger than a cell phone; the built-in flashlight is a bonus
Cons: Completely warped in low heat sun; takes at least five days to fully charge; full charge is only enough to charge my phone about 5%
I left it outside on a picnic table in full sun (springtime in Ohio, around 70 degrees) and by the third day, the plastic on the charger was so warped that it wouldn't close properly. When closed, there is almost a full inch gap at the top between the first and second panels. I wasn't too worried about it at that point because it wouldn't effect the functionality of it.
On the fifth day, when all four blue lights were finally lit up, I used the provided adapters to plug in my Evo 4G. Fifteen minutes later, none of the four lights on the Kiwi would light (the charge was completely gone), and my phone hadn't charged enough to even be noticeable.
I hoped that it was because it was the first use, so I tried again, but three days later, in mostly full sun, only one of the blue lights is lit, and the warped plastic is getting much worse.
I expected much more than a 5% charge for my phone from five days worth of sun, and I expected a product made to gather sunlight would be able to withstand the springtime mid-western sun.
At best, it's just a warped, expensive flashlight. I guess I'll just have to try another brand, and I recommend you do the same.
Buy Kiwi Choice U-Powered Solar and USB Portable Charger - Retail Packaging - White Now
I purchased this unit Via Groupon and I have been calling and emailing them for over a week now. They NEVER return and voicemails (forget getting a person on the line) and I have had one email returned out of 5 and still on response.Worthless product with no support! Spend your money anywhere else...
September 2012 Update I have made over 20 calls to their support number and tried numerous emails and even had friends call the support number trying to get a response and they have NEVER returned one call or email. This must be some kind of fake company out of someone's basement. The website is registered to the below contact, and again, NEVER purchase anything form this site. I wasted 50.00 and have no recourse.....
Registrant:
Kiwi Choice, Inc
4381 Goldeneye Way
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2J4
Canada
Administrative Contact:
Higazy, Sharif reachsharif@gmail.com
Kiwi Choice, Inc
4381 Goldeneye Way
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2J4
Canada
16138223060
Technical Contact:
Higazy, Sharif reachsharif@gmail.com
Kiwi Choice, Inc
4381 Goldeneye Way
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2J4
Canada
16138223060A friend and I both purchased one of these. Mine never worked it won't charge with a cord or in the sun I have called customer service since its covered for a year but I am always forced to leave a message and no one calls me back. My friend's worked for a little while until the solar panel and white plastic casing melted in the sun. You are supposed to leave it in the sun in order for it to charge. How is it that the plastic is that cheap? My friend's also didn't hold a charge for as long as the description states it needed constant charging. Very dissatisfied with this item.
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This is my second Kiwi charger. I lost my first one when I placed it on my parked car during a folk festival, then forgot it when I drove off! I missed it so much I bought this second one. It works very well. I leave it in my car which I usually park facing South. I charge my iPhone mostly but can also use it for the iPad. It's very portable and a good conversation starter. I have a Prius and my friends ask if that's what charges the car! Using the device to recharge small electronics just feels like the right thing to do.Save 26% Off
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