Want to ditch the headphones and the batteries when you head out to the pool or the beach this summer with your iPod? Wind-up gadget chargers and those big bulky backpacks covered in solar panels aren’t exactly the coolest and most convenient ways to power up your MP3 player on the go, but a brand-spanking-new gadget might be just what you need: check out the Soulra Solar-Powered iPod Speaker.
Just released on May 7th, this iPod dock – which also works with iPhones – is powered entirely by the sun, with a relatively unobtrusive fold-up solar panel. This mini green sound system can get up to five hours of continuous playback per charge. It’s got a water-resistant exterior, bass boost and a remote control.
While we haven’t gotten a chance to try it yet, and it is a bit pricey at $199, the Soulra iPod Speaker certainly seems to be a step in the right direction for portable green-powered tech and a potential addition to our favorite solar-powered gadgets.