MacBook Airs Go Solar with the Apple Juicz

By Geoff Duncan June 17, 2008

MacBook Airs Go Solar with the Apple Juicz

Even if you love the idea of Apple’s MacBook Air super-thin notebook computers, you’ve probably noticed their built-in batteries aren’t removable or swappable, which makes it nigh impossible to swap in another battery when you’re on the road, out in the wild, or just need a little more juice.

If you’re the outdoorsy type—and don’t live in cloud-shrouded Seattle—peripheral and accessories maker QuickerTek may have a solution for you in the form of the Apple Juicz MacBook Air Solar Charger. Available in three sizes—30-, 41.5, and 60-inches, outputting 19, 29, and 58 Watts, respectively—the Apple Juicz provides enough power to eke six to ten hours of additional battery life on a MacBook Air…assuming, of course, you have access to direct sunlight. It also assumes you have access to spare change, since the units run from $500 to $1,000 apiece. But for folks buying Macbook Airs, money may not be much of an obstacle.

The solar panels fold into more-portable bundles when not in use. However, in order to drive a MacBook Air—or any MacBook—they need one of Apple’s MagSafe power adapters: QuickerTek can either modify a customer’s existing MagSafe adapter for $25, or sell customers a pre-modified adapter for $100. Runing a notebook off a solar panel might not be everyone’s idea of “portable,” but if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, you’re more likely to find sunshine than a compatible power outlet. And power doesn’t get much more eco-friendly than a solar cell.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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