Sony Japan just took the wraps off a new “CP-A2LAKS” portable charging gadget that lets you to recharge your mobile devices without an electrical power source, by cranking a wheel. The charger is made of three components: a “USB output section” that contains a 4,000 mAh battery; a “hand-cranked generator input” section; and an AC charging unit.
The latter two components are interchangeable, and the primary “USB output section” has two USB ports that can be used to power up a variety of mobile devices and smartphones. The AC charging part lets you plug the unit into a power source to charge its battery in the traditional way.
Unfortunately, the CP-A2LAKS “hand-cranked portable charger” probably won’t be able to power up your iPad, since it has a maximum output of only 1.5A. Sony says it should take about 5 hours to fully charge the internal battery using the AC charging unit.
Rotating the hand-crank mechanism for about three minutes at 120 revolutions per minute yields enough power to make a one-minute smartphone call. And five minutes of cranking gets you about a minute of Web browsing, according to Sony. The hand-cranked input section is relatively lightweight at just 126 grams (4.4 ounces).
The hand-crank can be used as emergency power backup in locales such as earthquake-prone Japan, and it’s also ideal for extended hikes or other outdoor activities.
The CP-A2LAKS hand-cranked portable charger will set you back about $100 (¥8,000), and it’s expected to be released on June 20. However, it’s unclear whether or not the product will be sold outside of Japan.
