One of the major issues I face with life on the road is my sad dependence on technology and by association, electricity. Charging my computer, iPod, cell phone and TV have placed me in more Starbucks than I would like to admit. But the need to fuel both my toys and caffeine habit is most easily accomplished there.

I am overjoyed to have handled (at least to some extent) one of those issues. I recently found and purchased a very portable solar charging system from Goal Zero. This lightweight (< 1 pound) system consists of two small solar panels and a charging unit that fuels either AA or AAA rechargeable batteries. In a few hours I can charge this unit and use it to charge my iPod, phone and other small devices. The batteries can also be taken out and used as well.

This is great for those times when I am out of energy for both my devices and myself. After a day of talking non-stop sometimes I just want to hole up in the rig for an evening of Hulu and/or Spider Solitaire. Now I'm able to charge up without going out! AWESOME!

This system was very affordable (<$100), is small and compact and works great!! Plus the company is pretty cool as well! Take a few minutes and read their story even if you have no interest in the product. It's good to know there are corporations like this out there – http://www.goalzero.com