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[jinx]

As soon as I ordered my xo laptop, realizing it wasn't going to come with a cool "alternative" power source, I started looking for the yoyo device I'd seen in some YouTube videos.

I found the company that makes that device...or that has at least made some prototypes...and I emailed them. I just thought I'd share the response I got. I was hoping, since they are in my area, they'd invite me over to test out a yoyo, but no such luck Plus, the email I got had an address in Cambridge, MA. What up wit dat?

Anyway...the email:

Thanks for your e-mail.  We are just as excited as you about OLPC's initiative, and have been working hard to bring our reliable, renewable energy solution to those who lack access to electricity.
 
Currently, we are putting the finishing touches on the PCG's design and getting it production ready.  You can keep tabs of our development and product availability by checking out our website or signing up for our newsletter.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
 
Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving,
 
Reed Bundy
Potenco, Inc.
238 Main Street, Suite 304
Cambridge, MA 02142
617.492.0682
www.potenco.com

[Wayan Vota]

I've been all over the YoYo from the day it was envisioned.  Here's the full background: http://www.olpcnews.com/hardware/power_supply/  One of the best articles on it comes from Steve Cisler's interview of the Potenco team: http://www.olpcnews.com/hardware/power_supply/steve_cisler_potenco.html

[mem from somerville]

That is amazingly cool.  I will try to get them to come to the MA meetup in Cambridge in January.

[thepete]

When do we get to buy one? 

[John_G1G1D1]

When do we get to buy one? 

Wouldn't the more important question be, "When will we get one?"

[con]

For me, the yo-yo charger is almost as exciting as the laptop itself, especially if it can be easily used to charge other devices like iPods, cellphones, etc.  While the solar charger is also cool, it is not as practical as the yo-yo charger as it is a much limited and sometimes highly unavailable resource.  I really wish they could have released it simultaneously with the G1G1 as I would have gladly paid an extra $20-30 or whatever had it been made available.  I think it would have been great tool for the early recipients to show to others and get them interested in participating in the G1G1. 

[John_G1G1D1]

I still have a Gen 1 iPod shuffle, so I like the idea of being able to charge it, if need be.

[thepete]

Yeah--I was just at Fry's Electronics, here in LA and saw two different LED-based flashlights that were powered with a hand crank.  I really wish they'd have stuck with some sort of cranking mechanism, but any kind of alternative power generator that is portable I'm interested in.

"Portable" being the key word.

[Gabey8]

Yeah--I was just at Fry's Electronics, here in LA and saw two different LED-based flashlights that were powered with a hand crank.  I really wish they'd have stuck with some sort of cranking mechanism, but any kind of alternative power generator that is portable I'm interested in.

"Portable" being the key word.

I think they changed focus to the yo-yo charger after discovering that with the crank, kids got tired and weren't able to maintain the speed of cranking long enough to effectively charge the battery.

My only concern with the yoyo is that Strings Break, so it had better be extremely easy to replace the string when it's worn out or broken.

[John_G1G1D1]

My only concern with the yoyo is that Strings Break, so it had better be extremely easy to replace the string when it's worn out or broken.

I can't remember or cite where I saw this, but I remember reading or seeing that the yoyo will come with spectra like string, and also contain at least two replacement strings.  I think the main concern would be the abraison, but I am pretty sure that they use spectra rope for kite flying because of its abrasion resistance.