We don’t know what gadgets you carry when you’re scaling mountains and exploring virgin forests. The Eton Raptor, however, should probably be one of them.
Designed for the outdoors, the multi-function handheld slab is wrapped in a tough-looking rubberized and splash-proof (IPX-4) casing that keeps it functioning against the onslaught of water and dust. Oh yeah, it looks reasonably slender and ruggedly handsome while doing so. Plus, some of the features can be useful even when you’re just chilling at home, so it ain’t something you need to bury in the closet until the next crazy adventure.
What functions do you get with the Eton Raptor? First, it’s a solar charger (it can also charge via a regular outlet) that pairs a high-efficiency monocrystal solar panel with a rechargeable 1,800 mAh battery. Using a mini-USB connection, you can use it to power your phones even when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. With this thing in tow, you can ditch the compass, chronograph, altimeter and barometer during your next trip to uncharted territory — it’s got them all onboard. For use both in the wilderness and in your regular life, it also includes an AM/FM/WB digital radio tuner, a digital clock with alarm, a LED flashlight and, best of all, a bottle opener.
You can carry the Eton Raptor via the integrated handle or hook it to a specially-designed holster (sold separately). Price is undisclosed, with a similarly uncertain release date sometime in 2011.
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