People-Powered Computing with Easy Energy's Yogen Max
by Tom Milnes on December 17, 2008
I'm sure that 2009 will be packed with must-have gizmos, but if I had my choice the one that I'd most like to get a hold of it would be Easy Energy's Yogen Max.
Although there is pretty scant information available on this device, apparently it is designed to be just what it looks like, a human-powered energy source for your laptop, consisting of a foldable footpedal that plugs directly into your laptop, and/or perhaps other devices that it can be suited to work with. So, you say I might be able to stick with my light, but not very long-lasting battery and never have to worry about running out of juice as long as I'm willing to tap-tap-tap? Hmm, who wouldn't be for that? All I have to say is why hasn't anyone come up with this idea already. Unfortunately Easy Energy's Website says next to nothing about the product, beyond a flash demonstration. Yet, according to a recent Endgadget posting, Easy Energy has completed a working prototype, so this is looking for real. Also, Easy Energy CEO Guy Ofir, in a Coolest Gadgets posting, says of the product, “This unique product will allow for the complete charging of a laptop anywhere in the world, inside or outside, wired or not.” The key words for me here are 'complete charging.' If he is claiming that a full charge can be produced this should sell itself.
It may seem a little goofy at first to think of walking into the local cafe, lining up a latte and busting out your little orange wah-wah power pedal, but if it works, is light and compact and is affordable, I'm sure you won't be the only one pedaling away across the WWW and beyond. And just think of the workout your calfs will get. Like I said, this little power pack is high on my list of '09 must-haves. Lets hope that prototype makes it to production.
--Tom Milnes
