From Engadget: ".... Lifeline Energy is a UK-based NGO that works to bring folks in emerging markets (mostly sub-Saharan Africa) items like solar-powered radios and lights, and it has just announced the launch of the Lifeplayer self-powered MP3 player and AM/FM/SW radio. This device features 64GB storage, microSD card slot, 3G connectivity, audio recording capabilities, and the ability to act as a sort of PA system -- according to the organization, groups of sixty can hear the thing clearly. It's powered either by a hand-crank or through its solar panel, and contains a USB port for charging devices such as cell phones. At present, Lifeline Energy is distributing over a thousand of these bad boys in Haiti and it's accepting donations to distribute them in Pakistan as well." Question: Why don't they sell these in America at Home Depot at 2x the cost to produce, and for everyone one an american buys one goes to Africa?! (i.e. Like Tom's Shoes)Look at the specs on the Lifeline Radio below and ask yourself if you would like to have one of these in the truck of every car you own, and two in your garage/closet.
Lifeline Design Features
- The antenna is an ordinary piece of wire which can be easily replaced.
- The rainbow-shaped dial scale has large print for easy reading, even for the visually impaired. Each band is colour coded for everyone to understand.
- The dial scale and Lifeline radio can be custom produced in any combinations of colours and should not reflect political parties.
- Four-band coverage, AM/FM/SW1/SW2, ensures access to many channels and perspectives.
- Each knob is purposefully designed a different shape.
- The sound quality is excellent, enabling groups of up to 40 people to hear clearly.
- The winding handle (on the back) can be turned in either direction to charge the radio. Fully charged, the Lifeline can play for up to 24 hours.
- The solar panel is housed in a detachable waterproof casing on a 2.5 metre lead with magnetised clips on top to hold it in place. The Lifeline radio operates in extreme conditions including temperatures, rain, dust, sand and humidity.
- A child can grip the handle without difficulty. The Lifeline radio is larger and lighter than the older model Freeplay radios; its unusual shape enables it to be easily carried, even by children.
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