The Solio Classic Universal Hybrid Charger is a cool looking piece of kit that looks like something James Bond would use to defeat the baddies.  At a tad under $100 it’s not cheap but then gadgets rarely are.

Claiming it can store enough power to re-charge all of your portable electric toys it sounds like just the job.  It can be charged using solar energy with it’s thee leaf like solar panels or if the sun is hiding you can charge the internal battery by plugging the supplied adapter into the mains.

Now I don’t have one of these I opted for the Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Solar Charger and in hindsight I think was right.

Although a great idea in principle many people who’ve bought this charger have been dissapointed. On checking out the reviews on Amazon I’ve discovered 32 4-5 star ratings and 22 between 1-3 stars with a whopping 16 only rating the Solio at one measly star.

The main complaints seem to be

• Very long charging times when using the sun
• Doesn’t charge at all when in strong sunlight
• Loose fitting cables
• Suction cup ineffective
• Two days to charge even in strong sunlight

Some people did to be fair like this product and if you live in a very sunny part of the world and used it outside (glass absorbs a lot of the suns energy) then this could be the solar charger for you.

Pros:

Cool looking device which will make you the envy of your friends and if charged via the mains a great device charging your other electronic toys.

Cons:

Very long charging times when using the solar panels and the wiring is a bit jiggly and loose.

Solio Classic Universal Hybrid Charger is a post from: Solar Battery Charger Reviews

Features
Easy To Use
Value For Money
Overall Rating

The main selling point of this Solio Solar Battery Charger is it’s ability to store electricity in its internal battery which can be used later to charge many different types of mobile equipment including mobile phones, Ipods and GPS units.

Th advantage the Solio H1000 has is that it can also charge itself using the power of the sun. The Solio is a light (11 ozs) and is 8″ * 2.5″ * 0.5″ in size. It has a solar panel covering the entire front of the unit.

The battery can be charged either from a USB connection to your computer or from the inbuilt Solar Panel.

A variety of output tips are provided enabling a large array of mobile devices to be charged using this device.

If you read the reviews on this device opinion is split as to how well the solar panel actually works. I have one of these devices and love it that being said all is not entirely rosy in the Solio garden. I live in the UK and can tell you although it is possible to charge the battery with the power of the sun where I live you can’t do it in a single day! The sun just doesn’t shine enough to fully charge the device in a reasonable time.

I took the Solio with me whilst on holiday to Florida in the states and I have to say was pleasantly surprised with its performance. With bright sunshine I could charge it in about 6 – 8 hours which I didn’t think was bad.

The bottom line is if you live in a cold damp climate with no sun the solar charging abilities of this device will disappoint you however if you live in sunnier climes this could be just the job to keep your mobile devices topped up with juice whilst away from a mains power outlet. It also looks pretty cool and does what it says on the tin.

Pros:

Small and light weight device which can power your mobile devices away from mains power.

Cons:

You need a lot of sunlight to make it work properly if you live somewhere with little bright sunshine don’t bother with this device.

Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Solar Charger is a post from: Solar Battery Charger Reviews

Features
Easy To Use
Value For Money
Overall Rating