Samsung bringing solar-powered netbook to market

Samsung bringing solar-powered netbook to marketIt’s almost here. Samsung is introducing its solar-powered netbook to the U.S. market on July 3. Various sites in the Webisphere have reported the device will sell in the U.S. for $399—the price isn’t a big stinger.

There have been designs for solar-powered laptops before, and companies like Apple are already filing patents for such devices in the future, but this is the first actual solar-powered computer we’ve seen that has reached the market.

The solar-powered netbook has a 10.1 inch screen, just like the NC215 netbook that it’s based on, which is selling for around the same price, according to a recent search for the device.

However, the 2.78 pound netbook’s panel allows for freedom beyond the expected battery life of 14.5 hours. If the device is in sunlight for a full eight hours, the battery life can be extended up to 18 hours, the company said. Every two hours of sunlight will allow the device to run for one hour, according to Samsung.

The U.S. isn’t the first market for the solar netbook. The device was introduced about two weeks ago, said Samsung Product Manager Gary Schultz.

While the device might take off in the U.S., it’s likely to be more popular elsewhere, according to Schultz.

“There is interest from U.S., but much of the interest in the product is from emerging markets,” he said. For instance, the netbook would be ideal in markets like India and African countries with less access to reliable electricity.

Although the NC215S netbook doesn’t have a sexy name, it’s got pretty sexy feature on its lid, a photovoltaic cell which can charge the device in the sunlight while you’re working (playing) on it—or even when it’s closed. Plus the device can charge USB devices while you’re using it or even when you’re not.

It’s debuting a day before the fireworks go off, but that might just a coincidence, according to Schultz.

“I don’t believe our Independence Day had anything to do with the announcement,” he said.