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[Q] Recommendations for a solar charger?

Greetings my sensational mates.
Been looking into a decent solar charger for our sensation.
Once in a will I wander to the desert, which lowers the reception and force highest screen brightness, the battery dies pretty quick. I figured the desert sun could do something for me other than melt my guts.
Can any one recommend a decent solar charger?
Many thanks!
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

Does even those type of things exists for smartphones ?
Sent from my Sensation using xda app-developers app

You're better off getting Gatorade/Pedialyte and soaking an onion in it then plugging your phone into that, because I'm not entirely sure that technology exists for the average consumer just yet. If you want to use a phone in the desert, then buy a satellite phone. That will run you around 1,500 USD, but it's guaranteed to work.

They do exist.. here's an example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-mobil...y-Samsung-Nokia-Mp3-Mp4-Cameras-/261059718304
Actually there are many such devices. That's why I opened this issue - I wish to get recommendations from owners.

well i made my own i used the solar panels from garden lights then i tested them with a volt meter to see how much each one would put out at full pelt. to find out that i put them underneath a lamp in a dark room. once i had that worked out i soldered them together and fixed it up to a female usb port. it sure as hell isnt pretty but it works (well, when scotland decides it wants to be sunny )
here you go, my master piece

ohh thank goodness ..i thought you are talking about solar charger app :silly:
btw the app is cool..i mean atleast the comments/reviews are ..look here

Hi,
a fried of mine wanted to buy a solar charger for a big journey as well.
So I read lots of tests and comparesions.
Just to charge your phone, you can use a "Aurora 4 Outdoor Solar" für about 99€.
It can be folded and should charge the battery in about 2 hours.
Seems to me the best one for this price.
---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 AM ----------
ganeshp said:
ohh thank goodness ..i thought you are talking about solar charger app :silly:
btw the app is cool..i mean atleast the comments/reviews are ..look here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, the Comments are mind blowing :good:

Well... I was not aware of all those "charging" apps out there, or I would have made it more clear that I'm looking for a charger which has some mass
Thanks TriTopaz, that looks like a pretty good one!
Somewhat out of my budget though..
Since you've made that research already - do you happen to remember anything, perhaps less powerful, but more wallet friendly?

To hell with wireless, will it fit Galaxy S 3 docks?

The Nexus orb may or may not ever come out, if it does it wont be for many months and the other options are either horribly ugly, gigantic, or dont work right, so screw it. Google's wireless charging idea looks to have been a waste of time, money, and made the phone thicker and heavier than it could have been.
There are a ton of Galaxy S 3 docks that look decent and dont take up a lot of space. Anyone know if the Nexus will fit without much stress on the USB connection (since the S3 is slightly thinner the plug would be closer to the edge)?

I have the official Samsung dock for the att galaxy s2 and the nexus slides in perfect, and I mean perfectly
Sent from my Nexus 4

idividebyzero said:
Google's wireless charging idea looks to have been a waste of time, money, and made the phone thicker and heavier than it could have been.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just b/c the official Google charging orb isn't out doesn't mean it's a waste. Many of us are doing just fine using 3rd party wireless charging options.

idividebyzero said:
The Nexus orb may or may not ever come out, if it does it wont be for many months and the other options are either horribly ugly, gigantic, or dont work right, so screw it. Google's wireless charging idea looks to have been a waste of time, money, and made the phone thicker and heavier than it could have been.
There are a ton of Galaxy S 3 docks that look decent and dont take up a lot of space. Anyone know if the Nexus will fit without much stress on the USB connection (since the S3 is slightly thinner the plug would be closer to the edge)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Wireless charging is cool and all, but right now it's just gimmicky. I wish they had put in a microsd or LTE instead. But I still have love for my N4 and a bedside dock would be nice, I wonder if this would work?
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Desktop-Infuse-charges-Galaxy/dp/B004WOBN3I

No one that owns an LG wireless charger, and maybe some of the other ones, will agree with you. You couldn't pay me to use a generic USB dock or sgs3 dock now that I've tasted wireless.

irishrally said:
No one that owns an LG wireless charger, and maybe some of the other ones, will agree with you. You couldn't pay me to use a generic USB dock or sgs3 dock now that I've tasted wireless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS

irishrally said:
No one that owns an LG wireless charger, and maybe some of the other ones, will agree with you. You couldn't pay me to use a generic USB dock or sgs3 dock now that I've tasted wireless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does wireless taste like?

Chicken
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Ronislike said:
THIS
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qpqpqp said:
What does wireless taste like?
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Click to collapse
Come on people... The phone was $350 for the 16gb so I think I can afford to spend $40 on an LG wireless charger so my phone looks pimp while it's sittin there charging on my desk. If the phone has the features you bet I am going to try to utilize them! Break out your wallets and go get one so you too, can join the "pimp" club! Just say NO to micro usb chargers!! LOL

I don't know what you guys are on about but wireless is amazing. Not having to worry about forcing the USB cable into that tiny slot in the dark is amazing.

Alexander DeLarge said:
I don't know what you guys are on about but wireless is amazing. Not having to worry about forcing the USB cable into that tiny slot in the dark is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what she said

Throw it on a mat and forget about it. What do you NOT like about that. The orb is cool, but for some reason I feel better throwing my phone on a flat big surface.

Where can you get the LG charger from in the UK?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ynnek63 said:
I agree. Wireless charging is cool and all, but right now it's just gimmicky. I wish they had put in a microsd or LTE instead. But I still have love for my N4 and a bedside dock would be nice, I wonder if this would work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my guess - this dock looks like it is really designed around that specific phone and would not fit a N4.
Alexander DeLarge said:
I don't know what you guys are on about but wireless is amazing. Not having to worry about forcing the USB cable into that tiny slot in the dark is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the office I would prefer a dock though which keeps the phone upright and in position. I wonder if somebody has a S3 dock like this and could tell me / us if it fits the N4:
sorry guys, my first post, can't post outside links. To see the dock I am talking about please search for:
Desktop Sync Charger Dock
on Amazon.
Cheers

Alexander DeLarge said:
I don't know what you guys are on about but wireless is amazing. Not having to worry about forcing the USB cable into that tiny slot in the dark is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shadymouse said:
Throw it on a mat and forget about it. What do you NOT like about that. The orb is cool, but for some reason I feel better throwing my phone on a flat big surface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never quite understood the advantage of wireless charging , besides the cool-factor. Presumably you can't really use the phone whilst it's charging? Plus it takes longer to charge and it's less efficient...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Geburtenfresser said:
From my guess - this dock looks like it is really designed around that specific phone and would not fit a N4.
For the office I would prefer a dock though which keeps the phone upright and in position. I wonder if somebody has a S3 dock like this and could tell me / us if it fits the N4:
sorry guys, my first post, can't post outside links. To see the dock I am talking about please search for:
Desktop Sync Charger Dock
on Amazon.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmmmm.........looks interesting. for 8 bucks, might be worth a try.
http://www.amazon.com/Desktop-Charg...951&sr=8-1&keywords=Desktop+Sync+Charger+Dock

bustabo said:
I have the official Samsung dock for the att galaxy s2 and the nexus slides in perfect, and I mean perfectly
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this the one you have?

ynnek63 said:
hmmmmm.........looks interesting. for 8 bucks, might be worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe we find somebody who has one and can try it out! Cheers for posting the link!

drpepe said:
Never quite understood the advantage of wireless charging , besides the cool-factor. Presumably you can't really use the phone whilst it's charging? Plus it takes longer to charge and it's less efficient...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Energizer Qi mat charges VERY fast - faster than a wired connection, actually (personal experience). Clearly you don't have a Qi charger.
It's much faster and MUCH easier than orientating a micro USB and fiddling with plugging it in - especially in the dark.
Just lay it down in the dark and your head hits the pillow. It's not a "cool" gimmick. It's magical.

Carroll ideopyin
I bought this one now from amazon:
Data Sync Charging Charger Cradle/Dock For Samsung Galaxy S3 SIII i9300 Black
(can't post links yet)
Will report how it works when it's here next week in case anyone is interested?

Any QI charger stands>

Has anyone discovered any QI charging stands that work well with the N4? Something that is similar to a desk dock (without connecting of course). I know that the orb is around the corner, but I am not convinced yet that it will work with other phones very well. I would rather get a more universal one that are most likely going to with with new ones too. I guess I am looking for something like the Nokia one, but that has no known N4 issues. Thanks for any help pointing me in the right direction!

I was tempted to pick one of these up but then I noticed the price and release date. Might as well wait for the official N4 charger.
http://www.tylt.com/vu/

Re: Any QI charger stands>
That looks nice. Wish it stood up a little higher, but other wise the closest thing I've seen. It is rather expensive though...
Anyone else seen anything?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Waterproof skin + Wireless Charging = Win

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HD-Clear...t=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item2c6f5a5f09
This is a waterproof skin thing which wraps around your phone making it impervious to liquids.
Think of it as the good ol' condom trick which protect your gadgets from grit and water.
Now, since it is airtight, the usb charging port is blocked. Fret not! We have wireless charging capability on our phones.
I'll be getting some of these soon and report back.
kelvinator said:
Hi all I am using this combi. Wireless charging plus Oittie skin. Works well charging a little slower at 640 current. And pairing with Jarba sports Bluetooth ear phones. Going for long run and bad Weather is no problem. Yes usb otg data transfer is hindered. . But like mentioned. Dropbox or other cloud system might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Only thing I worry about is a 'boil in the bag' syndrome. It's going to get might toasty when charging if it's sealed.

I want to see this condom work. Not all claim of protection is equal.

oohaylima said:
I want to see this condom work. Not all claim of protection is equal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait what?

Lol I was referring to you condom statement. :thumbup::beer:

lambstone said:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HD-Clear...t=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item2c6f5a5f09
This is a waterproof skin thing which wraps around your phone making it impervious to liquids.
Think of it as the good ol' condom trick which protect your gadgets from grit and water.
Now, since it is airtight, the usb charging port is blocked. Fret not! We have wireless charging capability on our phones.
I'll be getting some of these soon and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about data transfer via USB?
FAIL!

winwiz said:
what about data transfer via USB?
FAIL!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kies wifi or dropbox

i would not trust my 700 phone in a case like this. i need more assurance like the life proof cases
---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ----------
and what about wired headphones?

-_- Doesn't work...My phone got an HTC One pregnant...

winwiz said:
what about data transfer via USB?
FAIL!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~start sarcasm
Oh yeah! How could I have missed that?
~end sarcasm
Airdroid
Wifi Explorer
Kies Sync
Wifi ADB
Wifi Direct
and more...
You ignorant....
nismo35 said:
i would not trust my 700 phone in a case like this. i need more assurance like the life proof cases
---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ----------
and what about wired headphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Life proof cases? First and foremost, this phone costs roughly $700. The life proof cases cost a fraction and you trust them? So yeah... a moot point.
This isn't meant to be a party trick, its a pre-emptive protection. You're not supposed to dip it in water just for laughs. Even liquipel tells you not to use it as a bar trick.
Yeah, this solution does not apply to everyone. I myself found that I hardly need to use any of the ports. I'm still using a dedicated mp3 player so there's that.
chris2k5 said:
-_- Doesn't work...My phone got an HTC One pregnant...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats. You're a grand dad.

Using this combi right now.!
Hi all I am using this combi. Wireless charging plus Oittie skin. Works well charging a little slower at 640 current. And pairing with Jarba sports Bluetooth ear phones. Going for long run and bad Weather is no problem. Yes usb otg data transfer is hindered. . But like mentioned. Dropbox or other cloud system might help.

kelvinator said:
Hi all I am using this combi. Wireless charging plus Oittie skin. Works well charging a little slower at 640 current. And pairing with Jarba sports Bluetooth ear phones. Going for long run and bad Weather is no problem. Yes usb otg data transfer is hindered. . But like mentioned. Dropbox or other cloud system might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. If you have dual band wifi at home, the 5ghz would work wonders for your wireless file transfers.

Obviously life proof case gonna be much better than your so called "condom".
If it is mere a preemptive protection but not really "waterproof", I suggest you buy a condom directly. It is a joke to pay $5 for a leak "condom". I can give you half dozen.
lambstone said:
Life proof cases? First and foremost, this phone costs roughly $700. The life proof cases cost a fraction and you trust them? So yeah... a moot point.
This isn't meant to be a party trick, its a pre-emptive protection. You're not supposed to dip it in water just for laughs. Even liquipel tells you not to use it as a bar trick.
Yeah, this solution does not apply to everyone. I myself found that I hardly need to use any of the ports. I'm still using a dedicated mp3 player so there's that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

bullandbear said:
Obviously life proof case gonna be much better than your so called "condom".
If it is mere a preemptive protection but not really "waterproof", I suggest you buy a condom directly. It is a joke to pay $5 for a leak "condom". I can give you half dozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Some people just aren't that progressive. The condom was an analogy. Look it up in the dictionary. A-N-A-L-O-G-Y.
This is an alternative. You can waterproof your cases with minimal bulk.

I think this case is meant to be a one time thing like a condom not being an actual condom.
For its price is not bad to pick up a few for the summer just in case you have plans to maybe get drunk at a pool party where it would come in handy.
The only thing about one time use is that like a condom, you're going to forget it when you need it.
Not bashing. I actually may pick up one. Never been the person who "needs" a life proof case but if i can get a really slim one I may start rolling around in puddles just because i can.

Headphone jack/DAC coming to Essential phone..

https://www.droid-life.com/2018/06/07/essential-audio-adapter-hd-mod/
Surprised no one else reported this yet. Really surprised by it.

johnciaccio said:
https://www.droid-life.com/2018/06/07/essential-audio-adapter-hd-mod/
Surprised no one else reported this yet. Really surprised by it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right? I saw it come up on my google feeds while rocking out at the Slayer concert lastnight. I'm pretty pumped about it.

I can only hope they already had made a zillion of these things and it's cheaper to try and sell some of them rather than throw them away. Better be under $20...haha

Maybe they can also make a high-end camera mod too with zoom lens and large sensor for good night shots. If they could do this it should give the company the kick it needs.

Where the hell is the charging dock? That's the one accessory I was looking to buy.
---------- Post added at 02:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------
johnciaccio said:
https://www.droid-life.com/2018/06/07/essential-audio-adapter-hd-mod/
Surprised no one else reported this yet. Really surprised by it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From that article -
"Wait, the Essential Phone will be a year old at that point. How long does Essential plan on selling their original, issue-plagued phone?"
Kinda **** statement, no?

That guy sounds very cynical. Considering he is in the industry he probably has every phone out there unlike some of us that can't afford to buy another phone. If he doesn't like it why does he bother reporting it?

My biggest concern is it's made out of titanium. It'll be > $100

We will see. The phone was made of titanium also. It's not as expensive as it used to be. Lot's of titanium watches out there also that are not expensive.

I'd rather use qobuz‘s flac streaming with a sony ldac bluetooth headphone...

For a company that designed arguably one of the classiest smartphones, the form factor of this DAC is surprisingly poor and inconvenient.
I would have created a case (to mate with the pins) with an extended top to house a horizontal headphone jack and electronics, and if needed, an extended bottom to house additional electronics and balance the weight. This would have resulted in simply a taller device rather than having an asymmetrical block attached to it's back...
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

The email I got said $400 with three months of Tidal free. Eeek.