In a world where portable devices like mobile phones, MP3 players, et al are becoming an essential part of our day-to-day lives, the need for a charger, which is portable and can be used on the go may appeal to users. Instapark, a U.S-based company, has launched the Mercury 4S an ultra-slim portable solar USB charger.

The Mercury 4S charger is an innovative device and opens up several possibilities for users who are constantly on the move. The solar charger is ideal for adventure-seeking users who go backpacking, camping, hiking, and indulge in other such outdoor activities. The portable charger will also be helpful to consumers who have a high usage of smartphones and need frequent charging.

Instapark's Mercury 4S is a light and compact USB solar charging system. The charger measures 7.25 x 4.5 x 1.25 inches and weighs nearly 8 ounces. The portable charger "combines two solar panels totaling 4 watts high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar panel and folds up into a pack about the same size as a paperback book, but only thinner and lighter. that easily fits in your purse," states the Instapark Web site.

The charger also has a built-in standard female USB port which can be directly plugged in portable devices like smart phones, MP3's, and other devices which can be charged using a USB cord.

The Mercury 4S charger is designed sophisticatedly and has a built-in 2,000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery pack for power storage and current stabilizing. The portable charger will also require solar power to recharge the battery. The solar panels on the portable charger absorb the power of the sun and the solar energy is passed to the internal Li-ion battery.

With companies finding ways to reduce the cost of their portable devices, it may not come as a surprise that a smartphone is packed only with a USB cord for users to re-charge the device using a PC or buy an additional plug.

Time will tell how popular solar-powered mobile chargers will become in the near future.