K-Tor Pocket Socket Cranks Out Power to Your Gadget … Literally
As phones get smarter, battery life tends to get shorter, which has bred a whole industry of battery packs, solar chargers and other power gizmos. (There's even one powered by waste heat from your camp stove.)
Another option is the K-Tor Pocket Socket — a hand-cranked generator with a simple, elegant design. It pushes out 120 volts at about 10 watts, which is plenty for an iPad and more than enough for any cellphone. For it to work, you’ll have to turn the crank at least twice per second, but that isn't terribly fast. And good news, southpaws: It can be operated equally well left- or right-handed.
It provides a standard wall-outlet-style connection, so any device plugs into it. You could keep cranking to charge a gadget more, but it won't go any faster than plugging into a regular wall outlet. At $50, it's a good insurance policy to keep your gadgets running.
Article provided by TechNewsDaily, a sister site to Laptopmag.com. Each weekday on TechNewsDaily, That's Useful! finds practical new gadgets, computing hardware, apps and appliances that make sense and simply make life better.
- Tested: Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx is Longest-Lasting 4G Phone
- The Most Environmentally Friendly iPhone Speaker Ever
- A Real Electronic Note Pad
Not every deal is worth a squeal. Get only the good stuff from us.
The deal scientists at Laptop Mag won't direct you to measly discounts. We ensure you'll only get the laptop and tech sales that are worth shouting about -- delivered directly to your inbox this holiday season.