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by Tim Yu
on 04 February 2008

I recently got to check out the HYmini renewable power source for a bit at the Greener Gadgets Conference in NY. In fact, I poached a little charge from it for my camera, which gave me just enough juice to get me through the event.

Ask anyone from the Pacific Northwest during this time of year, sunshine can't always be counted on and definitely cannot be made. Luckily the HYmini, a handheld universal charger device harnesses both wind and solar power to recharge almost all your 5V electronic gadgets.

If you desperately need a charge while out on a windless night, just blow on it like kids do with pinwheels or purchase one the attachments that enables bikes or your arm to efficiently generate wind. Though it's quiet, the turbine needs to spin at least nine mph to effectively recharge the cell for transfer. The only downfall is that the small turbine takes awhile to generate usable power— "Ride your bike for an hour, with HYmini strapped on your arm, or mounted on the handlebars, and you'll have enough power for over 50 digital photos or about 15 extra minutes on your cell phone."


If the sun decides to show itself then break out your convenient little solar panel to soak up energy. If there is no sun or wind and you don't feel like generating any yourself, plug it into the wall to charge up as a back up battery source.

The device is pocket size and comes with five different outputs to charge all necessary gadgets. Purchase it for $50 at HYmini. Of course, it comes in recycled packaging.

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