Owning the Scosche SolBAT II solar powered backup battery and charger can prove to be lifesaving. Considering that most people are carrying around some battery powered gadget (cell phone, ipod, mp3 player, etc.…) having a portable battery charge is a godsend. Finding a wall socket or computer isn’t always possible and without them charging a battery can be a challenge. The portable backup battery can indeed come in handy. Throw in the fact that this battery charger is solar powered and you have a handy tool.
The Scosche SolBAT II can fully recharge many of today’s cell phones with some charge left over, due to its 1500mA lithium-ion battery capacity. The adapter for the charger is a type A USB cable, which is the standard size for most USB ports. The SolBAT II can be charged through a USB cable connected to the computer and can also be charged through a solar power panel.
The Scosche SolBAT II, having dimensions of 1.9 x 5.4 x 8.5 inches, is very compact and easily carried. It is light-weight weighing only 5.6 ounces. It has a carabiner clip to connect it to your backpack or belt loops. It also comes with a clear plastic case equipped with suction cups so that you can connect it to a windshield or window for solar panel charging. It does not require any special care and thus is a low maintenance device.
The Scosche SolBAT II performs the job that it was designed to do. It’s battery charges up and it discharges well to charge other devices. It is very affordable, priced at only $20, and for that price it does a pretty good job.
The only set back found with the Scosche SolBAT II is the charging times. When connected for charging to a computer it can take up to four hours of time to fully charge. Whereas solar charging can take up to four to five days to fully charge the battery. The small design is the reason that the charging takes so long. In order to reduce the solar charging time more solar panels would need to be used thus making the charger bigger.
Overall the Scosche SolBAT II lives up to its calling. It does what it is supposed to and does it well. Anyone looking for an ‘off-the grid’ charger for a great price should get the Scosche SolBAT II.