QuickerTek, a company specializing in wireless Apple products, recently announced the release of an updated model of the Apple Juicz solar power device for the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

The Apple Juicz simultaneously powers and charges MacBooks, and either powers or charges the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Instead of heavy glass cells typically used for generating solar power, the Apple Juicz makes use of lighter materials and can fold into only 10.5 inches. It offers 55 watts of power to the Mac laptops and unfolds to 62 X 42 inches to gather as much solar power as possible while still being portable. A fully-charged Apple Juicz can provide MacBooks and MacBook Pros with 4 to 8 additional hours of power.

All models of MacBooks using this hardware must be upgraded to a MagSafe power adapter, which can be modified by QuickerTek for $25 or a new power adapter can be bought for $100. The Apple Juciz retails for $1000. More details can be found at http://www.quickertek.com/.

The Solio Magnesium Hybrid Solar Charger is a small, compact device that acts as a mobile battery pack. The charger works in two ways: solar power and conventional electrical power. The charger can be powered by plugging it into an electrical source for six hours, or by fanning the three sections of the charger out and placing it in direct sunlight. Once the charger s fully powered, it can be removed from its power source and be used to recharge various electronic devices (such as cell phones and iPods) via adapters that come with the charger. Extra adapters for other devices (such as hand-held video games) can be purchased off the Solio website.

A gadget like this is designed for someone who travels frequently with numerous mobile devices and does not want to lug around a separate charger for each item. It’s obvious that Solio is attempting to hit a very particular niche in the market, and it makes sense. I hate brining three different chargers when I travel anywhere, and the Solio charger eliminates the need to carry extra baggage. Read more…