Samsung officially launches solar powered netbook

Samsung has launched the world’s first solar powered 10” Netbook PC, the NC215S. The new netbook only needs about two hours of sun light to power it for an entire hour, and the Samsung SuperBright anti-reflective display will make sure users can see what’s on the screen at all times.

“Samsung is committed to ecologically-sound product innovation; we are very proud to be bringing the world’s first solar powered 10” Netbook to the market,” said Philip Henning, Notebook PC Product Owner at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “The NC215S demonstrates Samsung’s continued innovation, delivering superior performance, mobility and satisfaction to our customers.”

For environmental and financial efficiency, the NC215S features a solar panel on the front of the Netbook, allowing it to automatically charge when in sunlight.  Although the battery can provide an hour’s work with a two hour charge, the battery lasts for up to 14.5 hours on a single full charge.

“Samsung’s PowerPlus battery uses intelligent charging technology, making the battery’s lifespan three times longer than that of conventional batteries – being capable of performing 1,000 charging cycles over a three year period. The intelligent charging technology also allows for quicker charging, creating further economical savings and cutting carbon emissions,” Samsung said in a statement.

The Samsung NC215S Netbook will be available locally from September 2011 at a recommended retail price of R3 499.

Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor