There are many different alternative fuels for portable battery chargers, and now you can add corn flakes to the list. Or Spinach. Or maybe Sushi...mmmm...sushi. Anyway, Ampware has launched an Indiegogo campaign for CrankCase and CrankBox, two different portable batteries you charge with a hand-turned crank. 5 minutes of cranking will get you enough juice for three hours of smartphone use or half that for a tablet. That's a lot of cranking, but consider it a workout. And if you're camping, hiking, or driving through the mountains in the snow, it means power any time, day or night. The company has preproduction units and is using its campaign to work up production—assembly will take place in the U.S. There's more information on the Indiegogo page.
Check It Out: CrankBox, a Hand-Cranked Charger for Your iPhone or iPad on Indiegogo
