Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice for long outdoor excursions, but far from a final charging solution, May 18, 2010
This review is from: Surge Hybrid Solar Charger for iPhone 3G, 3G S (White) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
I got this thing home and I was super excited from the moment I took it out. Now I feel like I was a bit TOO excited after using it for almost a month. First off, I don't know about the battery capacity being 105% of that of the iPhone's standard battery; it feels
more like 65%. It's still nice having the added capacity but I've yet to plug it in when both my iPhone and the surge were both at 100% without it fully depleting and requiring my phone to start drawing from it's own reserves.
Now I originally bought it because I am riding my bicycle from Alaska to Oregon this summer and I need a way to power my phone for music and e-reading purposes between towns. Unfortunately the potency of the sun up here in AK hasn't quite peaked yet. My results thus far have been that 2 hours of direct, bright beaming sunshine on the charger ( while unplugged from
my phone) charges my phone about 12% when it's locked ( I.e. from 40 to 52%) and this becomes more like 5% when I'm listening to music.
That said, I'm sure once summer kicks into full swing and the sunlight up here gains some teeth this might change, though it might not. I'm no expert on photovoltaics. Anyway, I'd say I'll update the review once I get on the road but you're probably not going to wait that long to decide whether or not to buy this thing. Yes, it does work, and yes, if you manage to keep it in direct sunlight it will pretty much maintain your battery level as long as you're not making calls. I recommend it because the cool factor is unmistakeable and the extra battery capacity is nice, but don't expect to never have to plug your phone in again, or the charger itself for that matter ( which fortunately comes with a handy USB charging cable for cloudy days).
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 out of 5 stars
Great idea. Terrible execution., August 28, 2010
This review is from: Surge Hybrid Solar Charger for iPhone 3G, 3G S (White) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
I bought a novothink surge from their eu website about 2 weeks ago. Since then I have not been able to get the product to work as advertised. I have tried contacting support, and before when asking questions about the product and how to buy it they were very quick and helpful. However if you have a problem it seems the support goes dead. They refuse to respont to my emails regardless if I email directly or go through the website. Judging from the other reviews it is probable they are swamped with return requests.
The main problems are :
1) Charging from sunlight is not possible.
It doesnt matter how long you leave it in direct sunlight it barely charges above 25% (if even that). Meaning you have to charge it on USB anyway.
2) Although the website states the battery is 105% and the manual states it is 120% the battery of an iphone, (I dont know why there is a disrepency here) - If charge my Iphone from empty I never get over 68% charge.
I have 2 iphones and it is the same on both. I dont even have push services turned on or anything running in the background.
Basically a great idea, but the design does not work as advertised.
I would suggest that you look at alternatives since it seems I just chucked £80 in the bin on this. I doubt support will ever get back to me and since the product only charges 70% of the battery when fully charged on USB it is just an expensive and defective secondary battery. There are way better and cheaper alternatives.
You were warned, buyer beware.
Kind Regards
Peter
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not what it's cracked up 2 be..., June 6, 2010
This review is from: Surge Hybrid Solar Charger for iPhone 3G, 3G S (White) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
I found out about the Novothink in the local paper as a 'superior' gift choice for Father's Day.
I was quite impressed & began doing research, watching videos, reading other reviews, even writing the company with unanswered questions.
This past week I purchased one (white) & after one day Ive already called Amazon to send it back.
To leave my I-phone glass down so it can charge is dangerous in my opinion. There's a space for a wrist band or carabiner but it doesn't come with one. Today it's full Sun & the phone IS charging, but the red light isn't showing up. They say ALL 4 LED lights won't show up once the phone is plugged into the Novothink, but all 4 of mine are going strong & the idea of having to hold it in my hand while doing activities outdoors isn't logical & to leave it in full sun unattended or otherwise is a theft or damage awaiting to happen.
I'd rather use the I-Phone adapter & the flip case that completely covers the phone that I've been using since my initial 'gift' of the 3G.
I'll call the technicians tomorrow morning but have the box, return label all ready to be packed up & shipped back.
What a disappointment...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
