If you’re in the market for a new external battery, the Bracketron Xolar3000 may be just the thing. The battery packs a 3000mAh battery into a nicely designed, plastic, metal and glass body. Why glass? That’s what really makes this battery stand out. Read on to see what a solar-powered external battery looks like, and why you’ll want one.
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On one level the this battery is just like any other external battery pack. It has an on/off button that also activates a four LED power LED so you always know how much charge remains.
The power button also lets you toggle through three different power settings –5V/1A, 5V/3A, and 5V/1A.
This may be less convenient than batteries that have a chip that automatically adjust the output depending upon the device to which it is connected, but at least you can still control the various power outputs.
The battery also has a miniUDB charging port so you can juice up the internal 3000mAh battery, and a full-size USB port to which the device cable is attached when the Xolar3000 is in use recharging your mobile device.
Where this accessory really gets interesting is why you flip it over. That’s where the built-in solar panel is. Yes, this battery can harness the power of the, sun and turn it into move time for posting pictures to Instagram, updating your Facebook status, or *gasp* getting more work done.
Video Look at the Bracketron Xolar3000
- Recharge the 3000mAh battery via solar power, computer USB port or wall outlet
- Lightweight & portable design featuring a charge level indicator
- Charge your smartphone 2.5 times per charge
- Device will fully charge in 8 hours via sunlight
- Use with your standard USB cable to charge your mobile devices.
- One year warranty
Were it simply an external battery for $49.95, this 3000mAh battery would not be a compelling device. We have, after all, reviewed many batteries offering far large capacities at similar prices. Fortunately the Xolar3000 is not simply an external battery for $49.95. The addition of a solar cell to one side means this battery can use the power of the sun to recharge itself over the course of eight hours. And while THAT may sound a bit too slow, consider this — if you leave the Xolar3000 on your car’s dash in the morning, it will be fully charged and ready to get you thought the night without ever having to plug your smartphone into an outlet. For $49.95 that sound pretty good to me.
MSRP: $49.95
What I Like: Small; Light; Well made; Easy to use; Charges in the traditional manner or by using solar power
What Needs Improvement: Manual toggle through the three output settings; No included carry bag
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Bracketron Xolar3000 Battery