How many times have you been using an electronic device only to have the battery die on you? It happens to the best of us, and usually during something really important, like that conference call with your boss and the board or when you're getting the high score on Tetris. It is frustrating, and aside from the example of the conference call, rarely appreciated.

Enter the FreeLoader Solar Charger ($49.95) and with it the solution to your troubles. Hum along with me on this one, here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right. Yes, it is all right. The FreeLoader is a portable, solar-powered battery charger for any number of electronic devices.

From Firebox:

Super sleek and barely bigger than a cell phone, the lightweight aluminium FreeLoader pulls open to reveal two solar panels. Simply charge it by allowing it to soak up some rays. Its internal battery will then power an iPod for up to 18 hours, a mobile phone for up to 44 hours, a PSP for up to 2.5 hours and a PDA for up to 22 hours. That's a lot of juice for such a tiny gizmo. Once the FreeLoader has emptied its charge just power it up again via the sun. You can also charge it via USB if you're near a computer.

Will require access to the Sun (widely available throughout the world).

FreeLoader Solar Charger

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

It's available in silver or pink and even works with the iPhone and iTouch. That's cool, right?