Gadget of the year?
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, many people are still without power, and any natural disaster may leave residents in a bad way. One of the worst feelings is being without communication, particularly when help is needed.
Alternatively, having a smartphone without power can simply be a nuisance when traveling, especially at conferences. But accessory manufacturer, Etón has developed a hand-cranked cell phone charger. Etón is a licensed emergency gear maker that has co-branded with the American Red Cross to create the Boost Turbine, a hand-crank device that is a USB jack that produces spurts of energy for critical times – one minute cranking the turbine creates enough energy for 30 seconds of talk time or a few texts. The idea is to create enough energy to call 911 or connect with loved ones.
The BoostTurbine is available online, starting at $50, and a colored case adds another $10. Keep one around the house or car, or ismply packed when traveling for a quick notification in case of emergency.
