In the spirit of environmental friendliness (read Plan B 2.0 here if you missed the book review), it's good to see companies exploring green options to power our insatiable thirst for digital devices.

The Hymini, by Miniwiz, is a handheld, universal charger/adapter device that harnesses renewable wind and solar power, and conventional wall plug power to recharge almost all 5V digital gadgets.

That leaves you and me both wondering where they get their inspiration for the name from .... but Miniwiz claims to specialise in renewable green power technology and sustainable rechargeable systems for handheld digital devices.

The Hymini has a 1200 mA/h lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery rated for 500 complete charge cycles. 

It supports four methods of charging its internal battery, these being:
  * conventional 110/220 wall plug;
  * USB port;
  * built-in wind power supplemental generator; and
  * (optional) HYmini Solar Battery.

However, only three of these methods can fully charge the battery, these are:
  * conventional 110/220 wall plug;
  * USB port; and
  * (optional) HYmini Solar Battery.

On a conventional wall point it takes at least four hours to fully charge the HYmini.  The timing for other methods is expected to vary, and it can support up to four HYmini solar panels.

The wind power is only a supplemental generator and will not fully charge the battery.  This first generation is designed to capture wind power between 14.5 kph (9 mph) and 48 kph (30 mph).  Maximum capacity is set at 65 kph (40mph) beyond which the extra energy cannot be converted.  The turbine is made from soft flexible PVC designed to break off during misuse or impact, with replacement packs available.

Charging your 5V digital devices is via an USB outlet.  It appears that a large number of mobile phones will be supported with connectors.  Other devices are depending on original manufacturer's USB cable according to their website.

Based on Miniwiz's uninterrupted 30 kph (19 mph) wind tunnel test, 20 minutes charge time provides:
  * 40 min on MP3;
  * 40 min on PDA;
  * 30 min on iPod;
  * 4 min on mobile; or
  * 20 pictures on camera.

Dimensions: 134 mm Height x 87.5 mm width x 33.5 mm thick
Weight: 100 g

Package includes: HYmini, AC/DC power adapter, USB transfer cable, 5 connectors and manual

The company will recycle their products that has reached end of life, presumably shipped at owner's expense.

No pricing has been announced at this stage.  Shipping is anticipated to be Fall 2007 (Northern hemisphere).  It will certainly be interesting to see if it can live up to it's potential.  Personally I would have thought wind power would be more reliable than solar, and should be able to fully charge the internal battery.