Review: Solargorilla and Powergorilla

Solar electricity is a mature technology that's over half a century old, but you wouldn't guess it by the rate of innovation. From solar cells you can paint on roofs to solar energy storage with hydrogen and oxygen, every month brings a new breakthrough. The latest development is solar power for your laptop thanks to a pair of new gadgets, Powertraveller's Solargorilla and Powergorilla.

Up to now, the pocket-size solar chargers we've reviewed on SmartPlanet have only been capable of charging pocket-size gadgets: phones, cameras, PSPs, anything only requiring a few volts. The Gorillas, however, are the first affordable gizmos that'll power your laptop from the sun.

Sure, you can already buy serious laptop-charging solar panel and battery packages, but they can cost £450 and up. The Gorilla duo will set you back a relatively cheap £290. While some manufacturers have announced cheaper products to charge your laptop with solar power -- such as Voltaic System's solar briefcase -- you still can't buy them.

So the Solargorilla and Powergorilla are unique right now. Here's my verdict on the pair after a fortnight of playing with them.