January 12, 2009, 11:08 AM — With green being a big theme at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, the K2 from Kinesis fits right in. The waterproof device can charge a number of electronic devices using just solar and wind energy.
The device has a number of features including a solar panel, wind turbine and internal battery. The sun and wind can charge the internal battery, which can then power and charge electronics. There is also an option to charge the internal battery using a standard wall outlet and users may want to do just that before they go out.
Charging the internal battery using solar energy takes six to eight hours. With wind it takes 24 hours to charge, according to Steve Stein, business development manager for Kinesis. Once fully charged, the K2 provides about 15 hours of total charging time.
There's a power meter on the side of the device that indicates the level of charge for the internal battery. Just below the meter are the USB (Universal Serial Bus) and mini USB ports for charging. In the base of the unit is a compartment to store charging tips and wires.
The K2 will come to market later this year for about US$100.
