Tech: Dead Batteries? Power Up With A Solar Jacket

Two of the most annoying things about portable gizmos are figuring out where to put them and what to do when the batteries die. The Solar Jacket from Scott eVest may help. Made of a breathable, waterproof nylon, this $425 jacket has 30 pockets for carrying everything from an MP3 player to a cell phone. Attached to the back are solar panels that store energy in a battery that fits in any pocket. Then, say, when your digital camera needs a charge, run a USB cable from the camera to the battery. Charging takes two to five hours. Sunlight–and fashion confidence–are required.