Energizer to debut solar battery charger

The new Energizer Rechargeable Solar Charger is a perfect travel gadget.

It's a lightweight hybrid power solution used to charge two AA or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, used in most of today's power-hungry portable electronic gadgets.

It's able to charge from a wall outlet in addition to direct sunlight.

There is no setup required for the weather-resistant unit, just unpack, flip and twist it to aim the unit into direct sunlight or the best natural light.

The unit has a smart-charging feature to shut off when the charge is complete, preventing damage to the batteries. An LED display shows the status of the charge. The unit also has a USB port to power other devices.

Exact charging times can vary depending on how old the batteries are or how much of a charge they need. When using the USB port to charge a device, those units will also vary in how long until they are fully charged, depending on the device itself.

Details: www.energizer.com, $49.99