Samsung NC215s Solar-Powered Netbook Available for Pre-Order Discussion

[Charles P. Jefferies]

Samsung has released its NC215s netbook featuring solar panels for sale, priced at $399; a non-solar version is available for $329.

Read the full content of this Article: Samsung NC215s Solar-Powered Netbook Available for Pre-Order

[invisible]

I think it's just a gimmick. Personally I would rather get an external (portable) solar cell and have it plug directly into the power port. Since you need to be outside to utilize solar cells anyway, it would make much more sense to me.
I wonder what that integrated solar cell can pull at max, maybe 5 watts?

[bacnation]

Do you need to be outside? Does that mean its different from those cheap calculators with the little solar panels that power them? (Sorry I'm no science/tech wiz) Even if it isn't effective enough to actually charge the laptop I would imagine that the battery life would be prolonged somewhat. If it works I'd buy it.

[highlandsun]

back about 25 years ago 4W was the low end of power output for a 1 square foot solar cell. Today I would guess 8-12W is easy, in direct sunlight. The problem is when you're using a computer outdoors, usually the lid is open enough so that the display is visible, which means the lid is obscured. So unless they have a solar panel built into the visible side of the display, I don't see how this can keep the computer charged up while you're using it. It's only going to generate any power while the lid is closed. ???