Solar gadgets

For decades now, solar power has seemed like the stepchild of the energy industry, a technology with potential but few popular uses. But now a product called the Soldius1, made by a Dutch company, is putting solar power to use in popular gadgets.

It can charge the iPod Mini, Nano and Shuffle, and more than 250 cell phones, including popular models from Nokia, Samsung and Motorola. The cell-phone charger ($89.99) is red; the one for iPods ($99.99) is white. A version that can charge both kinds of devices costs $109.99, and comes in several colors.

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