wow factor

Today I pulled down the $25 Solar Powered Christmas Lights and tinkered.
The solar panel (65mm x 100mm) recharges 3 AA batteries.
Our "always on" mains charger is now redundant as this now recharges batteries for our Cameras, Mice and Wii.
Canberra is one of Australia's sunniest regions which makes solar very dependable.

Now, all I need to work out is how to get it to charge the iPhone and the better half's Nokia.

The iPhone solution may be using a recharged battery powered USB charger, like the Altoids wrapped MintyBoost

This project reminds me of an unresolved issue for technology companies.
What happened to the agreement that Mobile Phone manufacturers would agree on new mobile phone interface standards

They all rabbit on about how green they are but continue shipping products that require new chargers and accessories.... yes Apple, I'm looking at your iPod/iPhone changes.