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Top 5 Free Apps

Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: August 29, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: March 27, 2009
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iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

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Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
Release Date: March 31, 2009
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Bloons $0.99
Release Date: April 05, 2009
Genre: Games

Discover New Music

  • Spilt Milk

    • 10 out of 10
    • Jellyfish
    • The second and final album from this power-pop group makes me wish Jellyfish had been able to make just one more record together. The album is best enjoyed as a whole piece, flowing from one track to
  • De Nova

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Redwalls
    • Wow! Perhaps my 5-star rating is simply because the Redwalls are not only new and fresh (none of them older than 22!), or perhaps its because -- despite their ages -- they are able to totally capture
  • Life's Rich Pageant

    • 8 out of 10
    • R.E.M.
    • In the long series of R.E.M.'s evolution, this album (finally?) showcases their ability to capture on tape what had been happening in the live for years: heartfelt, sweat-filled performances that just
  • How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

    • 6 out of 10
    • U2
    • U2's latest entry is a mostly underwhelming collection of songs that does very little to sound any different from its equally pedestrian predecessor, 2000's "All That You Can't Leave Behind." While

  • Supernature

    • 10 out of 10
    • Goldfrapp
    • On their latest CD, Supernature, Goldfrapp has put together a successful mix of 1980-era New Romanticism, German cabaret, and T. Rex glam that leaves you riveted even through the album's lulls. It's a great amalgam that sounds current without sounding at all dated.

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In-Depth Review

Better Energy Systems’ Solio

The Solio is a solar-powered charger for the iPod and other digital devices like cell phones, PDAs, and Gameboys. Made by a small UK firm, Solio takes about 10 hours of good sunlight to charge an internal battery, which in turn can charge other battery-powered devices (like the iPod). The device is light and portable, and can also charge from an outlet, so it doubles as a spare iPod or cell phone battery.

There are some minor quibbles with the product. Solio has an ornery rubber port plug that doesn't stay properly in place. Also, it tries to communicate too much information with a single indicator light, creating occasional uncertainty as to whether your iPod or phone really is charging.

I found it takes some planning and forethought to keep Solio juiced while traveling, but if you expect to be in remote places, or if you're just eco-conscious, you'll find the Solio can be a tremendously useful device. Also, see my full review at The Mac Observer.

Just The Facts

Solio from Better Energy Systems

MSRP $99
Street Price: $99.88 - From Amazon.

Pros:Light, versatile solar charger for the iPod. Very useful in remote, sunny places.

Cons:Minor user-feedback issues, long time to charge Solio using the sun.

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