We here at JAMM are starting a new series called ‘Save the Pandas’.  The focus of the series is to examine environmentally friendly, or green, gadgets.  You are probably asking why ‘Save the Pandas’, and not ‘Save the Planet’ or Save the Earth’.  Saving the Earth is an enormous task, and it can just seem overwhelming.  So many people think that one person can’t make a difference in such a huge project.  Focusing on just one animal, makes the task seem smaller and more attainable.  Plus, you have something you can see and understand.  The world is huge, and we only ever see the small area around our homes.  Except for astronauts, no one really sees the Earth with their naked eye.  Also, pandas are  extremely cute.  If someone asked you to help that little baby Panda, could you say ‘No’?  Not even Ebenezer Scrooge could turn that little face down.  Finally, the best reason of all, I love Pandas!!!  They are my favorite animal, and if I could have a pet panda, I absolutely would.  This finally brings me to our green, panda saving gadget, the PowerPlus Toucan MP4 player.   This player can be charged via the integrated solar panel.

Not only can the player be charged via sunlight and daylight for those outdoor buffs, but also with artificial light for those of us stuck indoors for work.  Or are just plain lazy.  Solar power has no carbon footprint, so you are putting ZERO greenhouse gasses or polution of any kind into the atmosphere.  Thus, PowerPlus is helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel produced electricity.  For those of you that love to ruin things for everyone, you can also charge the Toucan via USB or AC adaptor, but that wouldn’t be nice.  The Toucan comes with 4GB of internal memory, but is expandable with the use of mini-SD cards.

Full Specs:

- TFT display 262K colors, high-speed 2.0 inches TFT display (220 * 176 pixel)
- Link to PC USB 2.0
- EMS memory Embedded flash memory 4 GB
- Operating temp. -20 to 55 Celsius degree
- SNR 85 db
- Battery 650 mAh / 3.7V
- Photo format JPG
- Text format TXT
- Music formats MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, ASF, WAS, OGG
- Video formats AVI, RM, MPG, VOB, DAT, RMVB etc.
- Supported systems Windows Vista / XP / ME /2000 / 98
- Current by charging through sunlight directly 20-25 mA / 6V (under 120.000 Lux sunlight)
- Play fully charged MP3: 6 hours video: 4 hours (using earphone in power saving mode)
- Playing time 1 hour
- Sunlight (120.000 Lux)
- MP3: 36 minutes video: 18 minutes (using earphone in power saving mode)
- Charging time by USB, 2 hours

I challenge Apple, Microsoft, Creative, and Sandisk to step up to the plate and create solar powered players of their own.  If Microsoft wants the Zune to beat the iPod at something, this might be their chance.  Good job PowerPlus on helping to save the Pandas!!!