Small set of useful links....
Links to some devices that would be useful in emergencies and any time when the power goes down...
There is the Lifestraw -- see http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000890054889 .
There is the hand crank radio -- see http://www.engineerguy.com/comm/4598.htm .
There is the hand crank cell phone charger -- see http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/sidewinder.htm .
There is the hand crank laptop computer -- see http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1117-laptop.html .
And there are the flashlights you power just by shaking them... see http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/forever_led_flashlight_review .
I don't claim that these devices are without flaws, or that they're cheap enough, but they are for sure headed in the right direction.
There is the Lifestraw -- see http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000890054889 .
There is the hand crank radio -- see http://www.engineerguy.com/comm/4598.htm .
There is the hand crank cell phone charger -- see http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/sidewinder.htm .
There is the hand crank laptop computer -- see http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1117-laptop.html .
And there are the flashlights you power just by shaking them... see http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/forever_led_flashlight_review .
I don't claim that these devices are without flaws, or that they're cheap enough, but they are for sure headed in the right direction.