With the release of the iPhone 3.0 firmware and hardware, bluetooth speakers and earphones have become very useful to me. Unfortunately, I have found almost all devices lacking in one specific area - battery life. Portable speaker batteries are just abysmal, and the plug-in models are no longer portable. Devotec has solved with the battery life vs. portability corundum with the addition of solar power. The Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker is a hit because of it.

Granted, the 2x 2 watt speakers are not super powerful, but they should produce enough sound to get by; these speakers are not for outside parties, but rather filling a small room or area with sound. The speakers allow connection via the Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP profiles. You can also connect a tradition PMP through the included 3.5 mm jack. The Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker has a built-in 1500 mAh battery that is chargeable via the included AC adapter and the onboard solar panels. You control the volume and inputs via a touch screen and your sound should last up to 8 hours on a single charge. This run-time will be heavily augmented by the passive solar charging if you wish.

The device runs $96, which seems like a bargain for a touchscreen, bluetooth speaker. Keep in mind you don't need to buy batteries or pay for the electricity to charge it. If the ability to take your sound anywhere and keep it going for a long time is something you are looking for, check out the Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker; it is available now.

via Geeky Gadgets