If you’re looking for an alternative way of charging that iPhone or iPod touch of yours, you might want to check out the environmentally-friendly (a.k.a. “green”) Novothink Surge solarcharger series of cases.

The Surge is labeled as a “hybrid solar charger” since it’s capable of charging the iPhone or iPod touch while you’re on the go and in the sun or while its connected to your computer via a USB connection. Even better – the Surge comes with a built-in rechargeable battery providing additional juice to your iPhone or iPod when you’re not in the Sun or near a PC/outlet.

And while you might think a solar power-based charger might be bulky, the Surge is in fact reasonably dimensioned. The iPod touch version measures 2.65 x 0.75 x 4.875 inches while the iPhone version measures 2.65 x 0.875 x 4.875 inches. Yes – your device will be a tad bit thicker but you get the convenience of charging under the sun!

Speaking of convenience, Novothink also has a free application (The Solar Planner App) which tries to estimate your solar needs based on your device usage patterns. Pretty nifty.

Other features and specs include:

• Full access to the touch-screen display
• Cutout for attaching a wrist strip or trinket etc
• Soft-touch non-slip finish
• LED status light indicators
• Integrated rechargeable 1500mAh 3.7 V lithium-ion polymer battery offers 120% capacity of iPod touch (1320 mAh 3.7 V battery for the iPhone version providing 105% capacity of the iPhone)
• Built-in 30 pin dock connector

The Surge for the iPhone is available in either black or white, with additional colors coming soon. The Surge for the iPod touch is currently only available in black.

Price wise, the Surge for the iPod touch is currently on sale for $52.95 (normally $69.96). The Surge for the iPhone is currently available for $79.95.

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPhone:

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPod touch:

[Check out the Surge for the iPod touch]

[Check out the Surge for the iPhone]

via ChipChick

Technorati Tags: Novothink Surge, iPod touch case, iPhone case, Solar-charging case