Solio makes a range of solar-powered battery chargers, but the Hybrid 1000 improves upon the more basic models because it contains a rechargeable battery that holds power for up to a year.

The 'Hybrid' in the name indicates that the device can be charged either by plugging it into the USB port of a computer (notebook or desktop) or, of course, by leaving it in the sun.

Supplied in the box is a USB power cable and three adaptors so that the device can be connected to a portable music player, phone or other portable device. The adapters supplied in the box connect it to Nokia phones and devices that accept mini-USB power (which more and more phones and cameras do).

There's also a generic USB connector so that you can plug in any USB cable supplied with a product that offers power. There is a wide range of additional fittings for other devices, all of which can be bought from the Solio website, but that obviously adds to the cost.

Once you've got the necessary connections sorted the Hybrid 1000 is very easy to use, with a simple Start button to kick off the charging process and a series of lights that report on the current level of charge of the internal battery.

The device worked well during our tests but we did notice that it needs to be placed in quite direct sunlight in order for the solar panels to do their job. Solio reckons that a full battery will charge the average mobile phone fully or give around 10 hours of music playback on a music player. One hour of direct sunshine will give you around 15 minutes of talk time or 40 minutes of music, then.

In our tests we found these figures a little ambitious but they're not so far off that it became a major problem. We can see the charger coming in very handy during outdoor pursuits in favourable weather (it comes with a carabiner clip for attaching to a bag). It's a shame that the Hybrid isn't a bit more rugged, or waterproof for example, but overall it's an effective way to charging portable devices in an emergency or on the move.

Vista compatible: n/a