Green is gold at COMEX 2008

Darius Chang | Aug 28, 2008

If COMEX 2008 is any indication, green technology will soon be, if not already, hitting the mainstream consumer. Among the latest laptops, digital cameras, PDAs, LCD and televisions, more and more retailers are selling rechargeable and renewable energy products.

Take rechargeable batteries. When it was first introduced, a pair of AA-sized cells would easily cost over S$20 (US$13.38) for a much lower capacity than its 2,000mAh alkaline equivalent. Pop by at COMEX 2008, and you can purchase a pair of high-capacity 2,700mAh batteries for S$10 (US$6.69). Thanks to new technology, some of these cells have an exceptionally low discharge rate and can keep up to 80 percent of their charge for up to a year in storage.

Solar-powered chargers are also getting more common. For S$88, we got a pocket-sized 2,000mAh battery (similar to the model by Brando pictured above) which can be charged via a car adapter, AC outlet or via built-in solar panels. It is actually quite impressive that, for a no-brand product, it claims to be able to juice up its internal cells within 7 hours under indoor lights and 4 hours in direct sunlight. There are two USB ports for powering up your devices, while a smaller plug takes in the bundled adapters for charging popular phone brands. Though it's really more relevant for those going on extended camping trips, this product can provide daily juice for your cell phone and save you a couple of dollars in utilities, too.

Filed under: PC & Peripherals
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