Voltaic Systems, the company that started the light-weight, flexible solar power integration into bags is soon offering a tablet case for iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and other tablets hitting the market soon.

Drawing on the experience Voltaic gained over the past years about solar power on the go, the Spark Tablet Case promises 1 hour of sun equals to one hour of iPad run time, taking away the need for hunting down a wail outlet while out and about.

The Spark Tablet Case offers soft padding to protect the precious tablets, weights around 2 pounds including the on-case battery pack and solar panels and has additional pockets for other small stuff you might carry along.

To add to the environmental consciousness of using alternative energy, the shell of the case is made from recycled soda bottles.

The case comes as a black shell with alternative colors accents for the solar panel in silver, charcoal and orange. The price is not set yet and the availability is Spring 2011, so just a few weeks ahead, ready for the summer sun fun.

Urban Tool, I like that name and their grooveRider shirts, has upgraded it’s famous carry gear for urban professionals with iPod and iPhone controls integrated into a multi functional belt and their trademark hip-holster.

Called the ‘icaseBelt‘ and the ‘ihipHolster‘, both products feature Fibretronic‘s CONNECTEDwear controls. No need to take out your devices, change songs, volume or pick up the phone right from your hips.

Using Fibretronic’s soft keypad system, other devices can connect to the belt and holster via additional CONNECTEDwear control modules.

Urban Tool designs gear that helps managing the little devices we call essential for our urban lifestyle by providing protection and connection between them and make them easy accessible to be at hand, no rummaging around in your pockets or bags.

Their belts, holsters, bags and shirts are designed in a rather unusual but chic style showing off our dependance on electronic gadgets rather than trying to hide them.

The cool Urban Tool ‘icaseBelt’ and ‘ihipHolster’ can be picked up for EUR 89,90 and EUR 99,90 (around $135.- and $150.-) via their online store.

Solar power , a hot topic around the world as it has the power to lessen, to minimize the negative impact our electrical power hungry lifestyle is having on planet earth.

Solar power generating plants in deserts, solar power generator on roof tops and buildings are a sign of the growing awareness of solar energy.

All those solar power generator are stationary while our personal devices in our pockets are always on the move with us.

Solar generating clothing is one way the make solar power generation more mobile, solar bags are another alternative but how about a solar power harvesting, protective case for our electronic pocket devices?

Seeing cellphones or computers coming to the market with solar panels integrated makes me a bit worried on how a cellphone or computer could possibly withstand sun exposure over a couple of hours to generate electrical energy. From my experience of leaving these delicate devices exposed to sun usually causes damage, ranging from cosmetic deceleration and deformation on the housing and end up in functional damage of the device.

That’s why I am in favor of solar clothing, bags and cases as all of them protect a device while being used to be exposed to sun and other weather elements.

Point in case: Chinagrabber is offering a solar power case for $32.99 with an integrated battery of 2500mAh capacity, enough to charge phones and MP3 player a couple of times. They include an USB connection cable and AC charger for the case as well as 10 different cellphone plugs to connect to most cellphones on the market.

Chinagrabber claims the solar case generates power for 100 minutes of talk time when exposed to full sunlight for one hour.

Getting solar power in form of protective cases for electronic devices when it is most needed – outdoors and exposed to sunlight – makes perfect sense and reason to get one although the color choice is limited to blue only.

Maybe more companies will join the smart mobile solar power market for cases and bags to provide more sensible choices.

iHome, one of the leading iPod accessories companies in North America, has a diverse range of speaker cases primarily for the iPod generation but some work with any portable audio player with similar or smaller size.

The idea is simple: give protection against scratches, moister and dirt to the iPod while on the road in harsh environment.

As a special ‘bonus’ iHome integrates speakers in their soft cases giving the option to listen to music without the need of earphones.

Just in time for the upcoming Christmas season, iHome is adding a new variant the iHM12L to their iPod speaker case range, 40% slimmer than any other case with NXT’s surface sound technology on the market.

Based on a robust yet slim EVA construction, this case is designed to work with a wide range of portable digital devices, including the latest iPod Touch and nano models as well as smartphones and most MP3 players.

I like the ‘magical’ sound effect of the surface sound technology which never fails to surprise people around me when switching on my sound backpack.

As many reader keep on asking about the sound quality: do not expect ‘boom-box’, ‘full bodied’ powerful sound but I would say you get decent sound quality for the occasional listening pleasure while around and about.

Available later this month for just $24.99 not bad considering you can give your iPod its own save iHome.

It’s eight month since Voltaic announced the ambitious Generator Bag the should be able to supply even notebooks with enough power from the sun to run smoothly of the grid.

The 17 watt of power generation would be the most powerful solar bag on the market and I really would like to see if this is possible. But there might be finally and end to the long wait, Voltaic’s site got updated showing the new solar panels we have written about it which should be according to Voltaic more powerful as the previously planned to use solar panel.

Though Voltaic still shows the ‘shipping soon’ message on their site I have found an online store called ‘MoMA Store‘ who will sell the Generator Bag for $ 598.- with estimated stock available on Aug 30.

Let’s cross our fingers that this time the Generator see the (sun) light at the end of a long development tunnel and is ready to hit the road. Might be just the briefcase you have been looking around for the back-to-school preparation.

The integration of solar panels into bags and backpacks are a common sign but now this solar power sucking technology is popping up in smaller cases as well. Point in case: Mobilefun‘s Solar Powered Case for iPhone 3G.

Power consumption on the iPhone 3G is a big concern as people struggle to survive one day without the need to recharge, something very difficult to do when away from home or office.

Mobilefun’s Solar Power Case can add a bit more time for browsing, reading emails or chat. Using glass based solar panels which have around 3x higher efficiency in converting sun light into electrical energy than their flexible counterpart, the Solar Powered Case charges in around 3 hours the 1500mAh battery inside the pouch giving a full recharge for the iPhone.

Because of the higher solar panel efficiency, the Solar Power cases will charge in normal daylight condition or in a bright office quite well just the 3 hours for a full charge will need direct sun exposure of the case (I wouldn’t leave my iPhone in full sun for that long).

If there is no sun at all, an included USB cable lets you charge the Solar Power Case battery from your computer makeing sure you have enough extra juice for a long day on the road.

Available from mid August by Mobilfun, the Solar Power Case comes in two styles/colors, the black more masculine style and the white feminine style with a price tag of around $54.- each.

[EcoGeek via Gizmodo]

Your precious iPod is in great danger on the beach. Sand, water and sun creme are natural enemies of our electronic gadgets. Getting some protection for such times of danger might be a good idea.

A great looking option comes from Sonic Impact which offers a range of iPod cases with integrated speakers to protect your iPod and allows you to listen to your tunes without the need of having your sweaty ears covered with headphones.

The cute Roxy Edition comes in a nice, colorful flower pattern targeted to the iPod girls and is available for $119.99. The cool looking Quicksilver Edition sells for $99.95 on the Apple store or for $119.99 directly by Sonic Impact’s online store.

To give a decent sound quality to the iPod case, Sonic Impact uses aluminum cone neodymium drivers combined with their and advanced Maxxbass technology that provides an enhanced bass response while minimizing distortion.

4x AA batteries will last a whole day but if you plan to use this cases as a backup in your home, there is an AC power adapter included as well.

The specifically engineered hard case protects the speakers and iPod while traveling or hanging around on the beach.

Both iPod speaker cases have a clock integrated that wakes you up when it’s time to turn around and let the sun hit your other side as well to ensure a well done 360 degree coffee brown color shade.

Taking a shiny iPhone or iPod to your next beach trip to enjoy your tunes in sand, sun and sea environment might end up in a not so shiny iPod afterwards.

The beach is a great place to relax but a rough environment for electronic devices. Sand and splash water do not go well with them. And earphones might not be the most convenient way to listen to music while tripping from sun oil.

iHome has a cool looking solution ready for the summer season, the iHM4S, a colorful portable splash-proof speaker case that fits into todays lifestyle.

The iHM4 is a lightweight zippered stereo case that keeps the iPod safe while enjoying the beach, a picnic, poolside or any outdoor activity where the water and dust elements can harm the electronics or scratch the shiny housing.

The iPod iHome comes complete with carrying strap, stereo speakers on the backside and a see-through vinyl window that allows you to watch even videos. The access to the controls is easy via the see-through vinyl window.

A simple but effective solution that keeps the iPod protected from the elements but fully accessible.

Available by iHome in four different colors for $ 29.99, a small price for a huge convenience and protection to keep your iPod shiny for a long time.

Not yet available but pre-order is open and shipment should start in June (for the black version) and July for the colors versions.

Reware made a big impression in the solar bag market last June with the introduction of the Beach Tote, an outstanding practical and stylish beach tote with solar charging function.

This year, Reware is giving the solar power to the business people that can only dream from being on the beach right now.

The ProFolio is a roomy attaché, good and solid looking, not too fancy – it’s after all for business purpose that gives your laptop, iPod and Blackberry a comfortable and protective home with charging capability while rushing from one meeting to the other on sunny days.

Laptop charging will not be possible based on the power rating of the solar panel but all your other electronic stuff will be charged fine. You do need to have an car-charger adapter for your device like iPod or PDA as Reware’s bags use the car-charger plug as their standard connector.

It’s easy from their perspective but not everyone owns a car-charger for the iPod and others so make sure you have or buy one when picking up the ProFolio.

Having said this, the ProFolio is an OK bag that can give you the extra minutes to finish your all important business call. Better save that sorry.

You can get this classic briefcase for and introductory price of $299.00 directly from Reware’s online store.

If you have a bit (more) money to spare you might hold off right now and wait for the Voltaic Generator brief case that can power even your laptop but it will set you back by $599.00

As always, the choice is yours we only point you in the right direction

In anticipation of a soon approaching summer, our product introduction today is a splash-proof case to protect your iPod while on the pool or beach or everywhere your iPod could get unwanted contact with water.

The i-XPS SoundBox from Hercules is a splash-proof SoundCase that acts as a speaker thanks to the integrated NXT speaker technology.

Powered by two AAA batteries, the i-XPS is compatible with all iPods and MP3 players with a 3.5mm headphone connector.

Primarily designed for use with iPod nano and shuffle players, the i-XPS has a transparent window allowing access to menu controls while the built-in NXT mono speaker is on the back of the case.

The SoundCase comes handy if you want to listen to your tunes when relaxing next to the water on the pool or beach without wanting to use the earphones or share your tunes with friends next to you.

Being a splash-proof case it will also protect against sand and dust. A simple yet practical iPod/MP3 player protection which comes in three vibrant designs (from left to right): Stone, Spray and Splash.

Available by Amazon UK store for £17.91 ($35.12) but shipment for UK only