There seems to be an arms race in the computer industry to see who can build notebook batteries that last the longest. It’s not uncommon to find netbooks that can run for 7 hour more hours on a charge, and some models even get 10 hours or more of battery life.
But there’s another approach. Instead of building batteries that last longer and machines that use less power, you can just provide your own power. No, I’m not talking about one of those portable solar chargers that generally can’t pump out enough electricity to run a laptop. I’m talking about kinetic energy, the kind you generate by riding a bicycle or pumping your foot against a pedal.
The YoGen Max is a new product that can provide up to 50 to 60 watts of power, generated through a portable foot pedal.
The pedal is 6.7″ x 7.2″ x 1.9″ when folded up, and it gets a bit bigger when you unfold it for use. So it’s not really the most portable accessory since it’s almost as large as a netbook. But if you expect to be away from a wall outlet for a really long period, or if you just like the idea of reducing your carbon footprint by using your feet, it might be worth checking out.
The YoGen Max isn’t available to the public yet, but the company is shopping it around to distributors. It’s also available in a configuration that stores up to 12 rechargeable AA batteries so that you can generate some power and store it until you need it.
You can check out a brief video of the pedal in action after the break.
via The Gadgeter
Oh, also, you can make a phone charger out of a bicycle light generator, batteries, and a power regulator to only let it charge within the right voltage range.
A pedal generator using a flywheel is far more effective.
repetitive strain injury, here we come…
This is actually awesome! I’m pretty sure a lot of people agree that we need a lot more products like this. I strongly doubt the 50W-60W claim, though.
The coolest thing would be animal power or some sort of true exercise machine that generated power. Ankle power doesn’t sound so ergonomic!
In any case, bring on more gadgets like these : )
50-60W is actually quite a bit of power. While it seems easy to do in the video, remember that was with no load.
Once there is a load on the generator, there will be quite a bit of resistance to motion. Pumping the foot pedal while attempting to get work done will simply not be an option I suspect.
With a second person supplying power while the first works, the device would be usable. It will probably be easier to use standing up, using gravity to aid the pumping motion. I suspect that’s not what most have in mind when they think about this though.