Return to site

Anker Solar Keyboard

broken image


  1. Anker Bluetooth Keyboard Sync
  2. Anker Solar Keyboard Charger
  3. Anker Solar Keyboard Charger
  4. Anker Solar Keyboard Reviews

Solar Keyboard Folio; Tablet Keyboard; Type Plus; Type(plus) For iPad Air. Can't Find Your Model? Jul 02, 2013 Anker Wireless Keyboard and Mouse 2-in-1 Combo Unboxing and First Look - Duration: 7:44. Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac: Review - Duration: 5:58.

Anker produces two high-quality USB solar chargers with the same basic design but differing solar conversion rates (14 watts compared to 8 watts). Although you can use them for any purpose, they're specifically designed for campers and hikers who want to keep their electronics fully charged, so they include very useful extra features such as tie-down grommets and a water-resistant design.

Note that, unlike some solar chargers, the Anker chargers do not include a built-in battery. This significantly extends their life (batteries last up to about 5 years; the solar panels can last 20 years) and makes them more efficient (charging a device directly eliminates the roughly 20% power conversion penalty a battery would have). If you want a battery, you can use any battery you want with whatever capacity you prefer from brands such as Anker, Jackery, EasyAcc, or NewTrent.

14W Portable Foldable Outdoor Charger

  • Dealer: Amazon.com

Offering enough charging power to keep an iPad 3 going continuously during the day, the 14W portable solar charger is ideal for anyone spending long periods of time outdoors with their table – or, with its multiple charging ports, to provide power for the entire family's mobile phones.

  • Provides up to 2 amps of charging power, which is enough to fully charge modern devices (such as the iPad 3) at full speed. Alternatively, you can use the dual output to charge two devices simultaneously at 1 amp each, which is traditional USB charging speed. You do need to provide your own charging cables – any USB charging cables will work.
  • When closed, the charger is only 11.0 inches tall by 6.9 inches wide by 1.0 inch thick – a bit smaller than a stack of letter paper or about the size of a large-screen tablet. When open, it's 34.6 inches long (about three feet) by 11.0 inches wide by about 0.25 inches thick. It weighs 27.9 ounces (1.75 pounds).
  • The panels are up to 18% efficient – the highest possible with solar – and are covered in rugged PET plastic to ensure long life (10 to 20 years under normal operation). The panels are held together using strong water-resistant polyester canvas, and the canvas has four grommets (eyelets) to allow you to easily tie down the solar panels to your tent, affix them to your backpack, or attach them other objects.

Although seemingly a minor feature, the grommets make this excellent solar charger much more convenient. With some rope or zip ties, you can quickly attach this charger anywhere – allowing you to find that perfect location which gets the most sun.

How People Use It

Portable solar panels can be used in a variety of outdoor settings, both by people on-the-go and by people who just need a reliable power source when more traditional sources of power aren't available:

  • Base camping: probably the most common use, many campers will leave the solar charger in direct sunlight at their camp along with a device (such as a tablet or a portable USB battery). When they return from a hike, the device will be charged and ready for use that evening.
  • Long-distance hiking and bicycle touring: the adventurer will attach the open solar charger to their backpack or bicycle as they move, soaking up solar energy. How well this works depends on the terrain, but even beneath a non-tropical forest on a cloudy day, this solar panel will generate some electricity.
  • Emergency kits & other home use: although designed to be portable, the solar panels can be placed outside of your home to create an immediate small cost savings over charging your devices from wall power. Although they'll never pay for themselves this way, you can use them like this to charge all your USB devices during an emergency that disables your home power.

Of course, the best thing about these portable solar panels is that you can use them for all of the above situations – take them with you for the family base camp, use them yourself on your weekend hike, and keep them at home the rest of the time in case of emergency.

Top 5 Pros And Cons

There are certain trade-offs associated with a portable solar charger, and the 14-watt charger in particular. There are features it has that come with a cost (such as extra weight) and some features it doesn't provide (such as a power meter) which save you money at the expense of not having that feature available by default. Here are some of the most important pros and cons:

ProsCons
Four panels provide good powerA bit heavy (1.75 lbs) for ultralight backpacking
Simple designNo power meter to help you place them in the most effective location
Two USB plugsYou can only effectively use one plug during low-light (clouds, trees, etc…)
Long life (possibly 10-20 years)No integrated battery; need to charge your device directly or buy a battery
High-quality photovoltaics & rugged plasticYou must try to keep it dry to protect the electrical parts

Several of these cons can be removed if you're prepared to purchase additional equipment, such as a USB power meter which will help you place the charger in the optimal location or a separate USB battery you can leave with the charger at the camp site during the day to store that solar energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Can it charge a laptop?' Open keynote in powerpoint.

No. The solar charger is specifically designed to only output 5 volts (the rate required for USB). There are no laptops or non-tablet netbooks which accept inputs as low as 5 volts, so the charger cannot charge a laptop or anything besides devices designed to be charged using USB.

'Will it charge from behind a window?'

In most cases, yes – but with some loss of efficiency. How much efficiency you'll lose depends on exactly how the window is designed. Windows designed to block certain wavelengths (such as windows protecting against UV radiation) may look perfectly normal to you but still block the part of the light spectrum required by the charger. You can use a USB power meter to determine how much energy a window is blocking when your solar panels are in operation.

'Can you connect two or more solar chargers together?'

Not really. Although it's technically possible to connect two or more chargers in sequence, the USB plugs are only designed to provide power within certain limited parameters. If you need more power than can be provided by a single portable solar panel, you will want to look into heavier-duty solar panels.

8W Portable Foldable Outdoor Charger

  • Dealer: Amazon.com

The 8-watt solar charger only has two panels and one USB connection, making it smaller and more lightweight than the 14-watt version. This also means that it only provides about half as much power in equivalent sunlight – however, it's smaller size makes it more convenient for attaching to moving objects such as a hiking backpack.

  • Provides up to 1 amp of charging power, which is the amount provided by a standard USB charger. This is enough to charge any USB device, but it will not charge recent smartphones at their fastest speed, and it's not enough to charge a large screen tablet faster than the battery drains during active use – that means, you'll have to turn your tablet off to fully recharge its battery. You must provide your own USB charging cables.
  • When closed, the charger is only 9.3 inches tall by 6.7 inches wide by about 0.5 inches thick – about the size of a thin hardcover book. When open, its two panels are a total of 19.2 inches tall (1.5 feet) by 9.2 inches wide by about 0.25 inches thick. It weighs 13.8 ounces – a bit less than a pound.
  • It uses the same 18% efficient panels as the 14-watt version, so it has the same estimated 10 to 20 years estimated lifetime. These panels are also held together using the same canvas, but instead of rugged grommets, weaker fabric loops are provided as anchor points – this makes some sense as these two panels weigh about half as much as the four panels of the 14-watt version.

Replacing the grommets with loops also significantly reduces the amount of polyester canvas material used, allowing the charger to be more compact when packed.

Common Complaints

There's a lack of variety of complaints about the solar chargers, with almost all complaints falling into just three categories:

  • My device says 'not charging' when connected to the solar charger.

Some devices, particularly Apple devices, say 'not charging' when the device isn't being charged at full speed. This can happen if you use the 8-watt (1-amp) charger with a recent device which expects to be charged at 2 amps or because the solar panels aren't generating enough power to charge your device at the regular speed. If possible, attempt to put the charger in a more sunny area. The warning should disapear when your device is being charged at full speed.

  • It discharges my device rather than charging it.

It takes a certain amount of energy to overcome the electrical resistance of your battery. If there isn't enough sunlight to provide that energy, your device will not charge. However, your device should not lose energy any faster than it would under regular circumstances, so the solar panels do not actually discharge your device.

  • It doesn't charge my device.

Almost all devices are supported by the solar charger – however, there are a few USB devices which do not support being charged by anything besides a computer or a manufacturer-authorized charger. If you can charge your device from a generic portable USB battery, the solar charger will work. If you do have a device which doesn't charge, you can try using a charge-only adapter – these sometimes allow unsupported devices to use portable USB batteries and USB solar chargers.

Almost no one complains about the charger's build quality or other physical features, perhaps indicating that this is a well-designed portable solar charger.

Add-Ons And Accessories

The most obvious add-on for the solar charge is a portable USB battery bank, such as those made by Anker, New Trent, EasyAcc, and others. This will allow you to leave the solar charger at your base camp during the day while you take your cell phones and tablets with you hiking. When you return to camp, the portable battery will be charged and you can use it to recharge your devices. The 8W solar charger can reasonably charge an 8,000 milli-amp hour (mAh) battery in one day and the 14W solar charger can charge a 16,000 mAh battery. If you're out camping or preparing for an emergency, a portable battery with a built-in flashlight may be especially useful.

A USB power meter will help you determine how effective the solar panels are, which can help you place them in the most effective spot at a campsite or home. It will be especially useful if you plan to place the panels behind a window – allowing you to determine how much solar energy the window blocks.

A cheap USB extension cable will let you put your device further away from your solar charger, although it may slightly reduce the effectiveness of the power transfer. The extension cable can be quite useful, as most devices (phones, tablets, and portable batteries) should not be exposed to hot direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

'How durable is this inside my backpack? Does it need a protective sleeve?'

The plastic paneling is ridged and quite strong against blunt-force shocks. However, the transparent plastic covering over the solar panels does scratch, and every scratch will make the solar panels a little less efficient, so you may want to keep the solar panels in a clean plastic bag.

'Is this ideal for RVing or other activities where weight isn't such a concern?'

Probably not. Larger solar panels designed specifically for RVs will provide a better price-to-energy ratio and may allow you to charge higher-energy devices such as laptops. Also available for cases where space isn't such a concern are portable wind generators for RVs that can provide electricity even at night if you're in a windy area.

'What is the expected lifetime of this solar charger?'

This type of solar panel will slowly decrease in efficiency over about 20 years of constant use, although the polyester fabric will probably rot away long before 20 years if exposed to constant sun. The USB cord connections will also likely corrode after too much exposure to moisture, although they can be replaced by anyone with a little electrical expertise.

Conclusion

Both the 8-watt and 14-watt portable solar chargers are a dream come true for those who enjoy the both the outdoors and modern technology, or for those who want to be prepared for a power-loss emergency. However, only the 14-watt charge provides the level of power required by current-generation smartphones and tablets, so anyone looking to the future will likely want to pay a little extra for that model.


4.87

0 / 5

Read User Reviews »

like and share this post:

Thanks to the highly responsive keys, I have always liked typing on MacBook Pro. However, I do keep a standalone full-size keyboard to ensure I have more comfort while typing. There are certain qualities like compact design, strong build-up and smooth keys that I never compromise with while buying a wireless keyboard. And primarily based on those special qualities, these are the best Wireless keyboards for MacBook Pro.

1. Apple Magic Keyboard

If your quest for the best MacBook Pro keyboards is not chained by a certain price point, I would recommend you to give serious consideration to Apple Magic Keyboard. It comes with a scissor mechanism underneath each key which not just enhances stability but also plays a vital role in accelerating typing speed.

While the low-profile design may not please to those who have a liking for a fancy design, I find the appearance good enough to fit into professional environments. And with the addition of numeric keypad, it's fully equipped to handle spreadsheets and finance applications.

Dont need the numeric keypad? No problem, Apple Magic Keyboard also comes without it at $89.

Pros

  • Professional-looking design
  • Scissor mechanism underneath each key
  • Works seamlessly with macOS

Cons

  • The design should be a bit more ergonomic
  • Lacks a feet
  • Top-tear pricing

Price: $89/$119
Check out on Amazon

2. Macally Wireless Solar Keyboard for MacBook

Featuring a full-size ergonomic layout, this offering from Macally is one of the best Mac keyboards in the market. As the keyboard is solar-powered, you have the convenience to charge it up using your room's light source. When fully charged (600mAh battery), the keyboard lasts up to 150 hours.

Another department where Macally MacBook Pro has an edge over rivals is the fast connection, making sure you can pair the keyboard with your Mac without any hassle. Thanks to the 10° tilt with non-slip grips, you will feel comfortable while typing.

And with the tactile keycaps, it separates your keystrokes to speed up typing. Not to mention the 21 Mac keyboard shortcuts that can help you enhance your productivity.

Pros

  • 10° tilt with non-slip grips
  • Tactile keycaps
  • Fast connection
  • Solar-powered

Cons

  • The traditional design might not appeal to everyone
  • The battery takes a bit longer to charge

Price: $59.99
Check out on Amazon

3. Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Smart Keyboard

With just 0.7 inches thickness, Satechi Wireless keyboard showcases ultra-slim design. Being so lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it in your bag. It comes with whisper-quiet keys to ensure you have the essential peace of mind while typing.

It has auto-sleep functionality that extends battery life. Using multi-media keys, you will be able to control media as desired. Thanks mainly to the strong build-up; the keyboard is very durable and fully capable of surviving drops.

Pros

  • Switch between up to 4 connected devices
  • Auto-sleep function
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Low profile design
  • May face connection issues at times
  • Price seems a little over the top

Price: $54.99
Check out on Amazon

4. Arteck Wireless Keyboard for MacBook

Anker Bluetooth Keyboard Sync

Arteck Bluetooth keyboard is what you would need to augment your typing experience. What makes this keyboard a real deal is the highly responsive keys. With the much-required tactile feedback, you will enjoy typing on this keyboard.

It has an attractive LED backlight featuring a couple of adjustable levels that ensure you are able to carry out your work even in dimly-lit environments. Constructed with top quality zinc alloy material with the brushed finish, the MacBook Pro keyboard is very solid. Its battery lasts up to 6 months in regular use; once fully charged. Furthermore, there are seven different colors to choose from.

Pros

  • 7 backlight color
  • Wide compatibility
  • 6-month battery life

Cons

  • It flexes a bit too much
  • The keys should have a little amount of travel

Price: $19.99
Check out on Amazon

5. Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for MacBook

If you are looking for a full-sized keyboard that can provide fast typing experience, Logitech Bluetooth keyboard is the one you should give serious consideration. Made with top quality material, the wireless keyboard has a solid design. The concave key cap design offers the necessary tactile feedback.

Once it's fully charged up, it's able to last up to three months. As the keyboard is lightweight, you won't have any difficulty in carrying it. Lastly, the Bluetooth keyboard comes in two color options such as black and silver.

Pros

  • Solar-powered
  • Slim form factor
  • Concave keycap design

Cons

  • A touch expensive

Imovie para pc. Price: $53.89
Check out on Amazon

6. Anker Ultra Compact Bluetooth Keyboard for MacBook

Should you want to get a reasonably good MacBook Pro keyboard around $20, the Anker Ultra Compact keyboard should be a better pick. Despite being priced way less than many of its counterparts, this keyboard has covered most of the basics.

For starter, the keyboard is universally compatible. That means you can use it with not only your Mac but also iOS, Windows, and even Android devices. Aside from wide compatibility, it also features low-profile keys so that you will have smooth-sailing and quieter typing experience. Music recorder for pc.

Even in terms of battery life, Anker keyboard is up to the mark as it can last up to 2 months (as per 2 hours of use each day).

Pros

Reviews
  • Universal compatibility
  • Low profile keys
  • Decent battery life

Cons

  • At times, the keyboard may automatically disconnect from the computer
  • The keys also feel a tad sluggish some times

Price: $20.99
Check out on Amazon

7. Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard for MacBook

For those looking for a fully-featured mechanical keyboard, this one appears to be a better pick. What has caught my eyes in this keyboard is the ergonomic form-factor courtesy the sloped design and the well-spaced keys which make typing a breeze. Add to that the tactile feedback and it feels up to the mark for a professional typing experience.

The 16 shortcut keys may seem less as compared to the number of shortcut keys offered in other keyboards, but you may not have many complaints. Times when you are dealing with dark environments, the backlit keys can come in handy, allowing you to go about your job without any pain.

Though USB connection may seem a bit outdated, it will save you from the pain of charging the keyboard frequently or encountering sudden disconnection.

Pros

  • Fully-featured mechanical keyboard
  • Well-spaced keys
  • Ergonomic design improves typing experience

Cons

  • Only 16 shortcut keys
  • Expensive

Price: $99.99
Check out on Amazon

8. iClever Bluetooth Keyboard

Though iClever may not be a fully-featured macOS keyboard, it is more than good enough to offer a reliable typing experience. Made of stainless steel and ABS material, it's quite durable. Even on the ergonomic front, the keyboard looks efficient with the presence of feet that keep the keyboard at a convenient slope.

Not just that the multi-device connection allows you to switch between three devices without any hiccups. As it automatically connects to previously connected devices, you can get started with your typing session without having to go through the pairing process again.

Talking about battery life, the company says that the keyboard can last up to 90 hours, which is decent if not great.

Pros

  • Multi-device connection
  • Automatically connects to previously connected devices
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • The keys may not feel up to the mark for those who want a good amount of travel while typing
  • Takes a bit of time to wake on some occasions

Anker Solar Keyboard Charger

Price: $34.89
Check out on Amazon

9. Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard for MacBook Pro

I don't think there are too many MacBook keyboards that deliver the best of both worlds: Impressive keyboard and Killer price point. Well, Jelly Comb belongs to that selected group of keyboards for macOS.

First and foremost, it sports a slim and low-profile design that can get along neatly with your pro workstation. Second, the ability to switch between three devices swiftly makes sure you don't need to buy additional keyboards for other devices.

Mackernews 1 0 4 – the hacker news client. Just like Apple Magic Keyboard, it also comes with a scissor mechanism beneath each key so that typing can remain fluid. https://ameblo.jp/144fenmulta-dzui9/entry-12650735000.html. Lastly, the 16 Apple keyboard shortcuts might be low on the paper, but they can help you deal with most tasks without any problem.

Pros

  • Sports a slim and low-profile design
  • A pretty good alternative to Apple Magic keyboard
  • Swiftly works between three devices

Cons

  • The keys aren't super quiet

Price: $49.99
Check out on Amazon

10. FENIFOX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for MacBook

Well, let me make it crystal clear right at the beginning! I have chosen this combo pack especially for the folks who are on the lookout for a fairly good deal that can deliver both a reliable keyboard and mouse solution. If that's you, FENIFOX might just be the one that you had been waiting for.

As for the specs, the keyboard offers a couple of slope selection options. That means you have the flexibility to fine-tune the typing angle depending on your convenience. Even in terms of typing speed, it's not bad either.

Anker solar keyboards
  • Universal compatibility
  • Low profile keys
  • Decent battery life

Cons

  • At times, the keyboard may automatically disconnect from the computer
  • The keys also feel a tad sluggish some times

Price: $20.99
Check out on Amazon

7. Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard for MacBook

For those looking for a fully-featured mechanical keyboard, this one appears to be a better pick. What has caught my eyes in this keyboard is the ergonomic form-factor courtesy the sloped design and the well-spaced keys which make typing a breeze. Add to that the tactile feedback and it feels up to the mark for a professional typing experience.

The 16 shortcut keys may seem less as compared to the number of shortcut keys offered in other keyboards, but you may not have many complaints. Times when you are dealing with dark environments, the backlit keys can come in handy, allowing you to go about your job without any pain.

Though USB connection may seem a bit outdated, it will save you from the pain of charging the keyboard frequently or encountering sudden disconnection.

Pros

  • Fully-featured mechanical keyboard
  • Well-spaced keys
  • Ergonomic design improves typing experience

Cons

  • Only 16 shortcut keys
  • Expensive

Price: $99.99
Check out on Amazon

8. iClever Bluetooth Keyboard

Though iClever may not be a fully-featured macOS keyboard, it is more than good enough to offer a reliable typing experience. Made of stainless steel and ABS material, it's quite durable. Even on the ergonomic front, the keyboard looks efficient with the presence of feet that keep the keyboard at a convenient slope.

Not just that the multi-device connection allows you to switch between three devices without any hiccups. As it automatically connects to previously connected devices, you can get started with your typing session without having to go through the pairing process again.

Talking about battery life, the company says that the keyboard can last up to 90 hours, which is decent if not great.

Pros

  • Multi-device connection
  • Automatically connects to previously connected devices
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • The keys may not feel up to the mark for those who want a good amount of travel while typing
  • Takes a bit of time to wake on some occasions

Anker Solar Keyboard Charger

Price: $34.89
Check out on Amazon

9. Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard for MacBook Pro

I don't think there are too many MacBook keyboards that deliver the best of both worlds: Impressive keyboard and Killer price point. Well, Jelly Comb belongs to that selected group of keyboards for macOS.

First and foremost, it sports a slim and low-profile design that can get along neatly with your pro workstation. Second, the ability to switch between three devices swiftly makes sure you don't need to buy additional keyboards for other devices.

Mackernews 1 0 4 – the hacker news client. Just like Apple Magic Keyboard, it also comes with a scissor mechanism beneath each key so that typing can remain fluid. https://ameblo.jp/144fenmulta-dzui9/entry-12650735000.html. Lastly, the 16 Apple keyboard shortcuts might be low on the paper, but they can help you deal with most tasks without any problem.

Pros

  • Sports a slim and low-profile design
  • A pretty good alternative to Apple Magic keyboard
  • Swiftly works between three devices

Cons

  • The keys aren't super quiet

Price: $49.99
Check out on Amazon

10. FENIFOX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for MacBook

Well, let me make it crystal clear right at the beginning! I have chosen this combo pack especially for the folks who are on the lookout for a fairly good deal that can deliver both a reliable keyboard and mouse solution. If that's you, FENIFOX might just be the one that you had been waiting for.

As for the specs, the keyboard offers a couple of slope selection options. That means you have the flexibility to fine-tune the typing angle depending on your convenience. Even in terms of typing speed, it's not bad either.

Add to that the wide compatibility along with the support for several keyboard shortcuts and I don't think you have much room to complain.

Pros

Anker Solar Keyboard Charger

  • Combo pack: fairly decent keyboard and mouse
  • Support for multiple platforms including macOS, Windows, and Linux
  • A couple of slope selection options

Cons

  • Doesn't offer the fastest connection

Price: $39.99
Check out on Amazon

That's all, folks!

Signing off

Which one of these Bluetooth keyboards is going to pair with your MacBook Pro? I would be extremely glad to know the name of your favorite keyboard. As a user, what are the qualities you like to see in a wireless keyboard? Do let your views reach us.

You wouldn't want to miss out on these accessory lists as well:

Anker Solar Keyboard Reviews

The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.

  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/




broken image