Full, noontime sunlight with the panel optimally aimed delivers less than 50 watts to an area the size of that solar panel. Multiply by solar panel efficiency and you are under 8 watts of charging power.
Many buyers of solar chargers (esp. moi) are surprised to encounter the reality: we don't stay in a sunny place long enough to obtain a meaningful charge. We move, shadows are cast, clouds pass, valuables are stashed & secured. We don't sit still (save for our ill-lit cubicle caves), we worry about theft, weather happens.
One hour use per two hours charging is fair given the technology. Short of extreme scenarios, are you seriously going to leave your laptop out in the open, most likely unattended, for 2+ hours? or all day?
Hmm. I bet it has conventional "electric power plug" mode charging too. When using this netbook outdoors while sunny you'll get some very long battery life indeed. :)
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[ 3.4 ms ] story [ 33.0 ms ] threadOne hour use per two hours charging is fair given the technology. Short of extreme scenarios, are you seriously going to leave your laptop out in the open, most likely unattended, for 2+ hours? or all day?
Balcony comes to mind. But yes, I'd be worried about rain showers.
I think the optimal form-factor for a portable solar charger would be a water-proof, inflatable umbrella (with a stand).
Such an umbrella charger could double as sun-shade while you're working and as rain-protection when you leave the laptop out on a table.
Whether I like to type or write is a total mood preference thing.
Serioulsy that sounds idyllic. Hiking and writing. You make me imagine a modern day Wordsworth,