Note that archival is a key term here. The average DVD you buy off the shelf at OfficeMart is not an Archival grade DVD.

Update on that cheap 64Gb T-flash card order. It turned out to be an obvious scum. Got just an empty envelope from them, and a prompt promise to send two cards in compensation for that when had issued a nondelivery resolution request. No problem, eBay compensated 100%.

Back to on-the-go charging options. Just got this sweet wonder in the mail: http://www.ebay.com/itm/371524811981 and done some testing.


It is definitely charging like a 30A/h capacity battery (took around 24 hours to top it with the 1.5A charger. However, the phone charging test demonstrated something within a 15Ah capacity so far (I plan to redo it in a more refined environment with the bare battery only tonight, as the phone was charging while online, and with periodic use). Still impressive, compared to what I'm carrying now. The urge to upgrade, besides the increased capacity, was also about standardizing on the micro USB plug, so I don't have to carry an adapter or additional cable, as well as adding more USB ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Compared to many other similar offerings, my research suggests that this is the most slimmest cheap power bank on the market today, which is crucial for my "No Bag EDC" effort. It's very well made, curved corners are pocket friendly, does not produce much heat when charged or discharged, very lightweight, has 2 Amps charging and discharging circuit (important for faster than typical charging times), has over-current protection, has an integrated not a complete nonsense flashlight (two LEDs around 30 lumens total focused spot), cheap.

The solar panel on the side, though inefficient, still good to have (the a bit smaller one on my other similar powerbank was capable to prolong the life of the battery quite noticeably after being left behind the car's sunroof on the open parking lot for the entire day (got almost an additional full phone charge in 9 hours ~3 A/h).

Forget that one. It looks like a total BS. Barely charged the phone twice, also noticed significant self-discharge. The battery is less than 7Ah. Initiated return.

Sounds like you're running into TANSTAAFL problems with the electronics.

Not at all. I'd rather say I'm a strong believer in the technology. The 30Ah in such a small F-F was definitely an "exaggeration", but 15Ah would be realistic for $15 physically and economically. The same for the T-F card earlier, its manufacture cost is only cents, the rest of the retail price is greed.

I'm buying great electronics off eBay with great success weekly. E.g. just got 2 SoC boards for $3.80 shipped, while they are $7 each everywhere. Or last week I've received 10 fully functional relays for $6, while they are $5 each everywhere. I had no problems buying components for my 3D printer 2-10 fold in price. But I would definitely note that the percentage of scum and counterfeit products from China merchants is growing for the past years, so always watch for the seller's reputation and return/refund conditions carefully while placing an order.

This is my favorite solar panel: http://www.amazon.com/Suntactics-sCharge...ords=suntactics

Another good option: http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Powe...scsubtag=WC5297

Pair either with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VLNT9KW/?tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC67037

If you just want something for weekends away but near civilization, I LOVE this, but you need 110-240v to recharge it: http://www.ravpower.com/savior-9000mah-portable-charger-with-apple-lighting-cable.html

Yep. Good example, by the way. The first panel on your list is only 5W (almost useless power wise, also with an unreliable USB receptacle design), but costs $100, which is two times more compared to the goalzero nomad's like designed (perfect) 15W panel of your second choice (which is 3 times more power!). And they are sold on the same Amazon. Greed. I bet we'll see 10W panels like that for less than $10 pretty soon.

Several months ago I've soldered a high end cells (Sunpower Maxeon) based 15W solar panel (square foot size) which I've got off eBay for just $15 shipped (all the soldering hardware and even special soldering flux included). Today I can see that you can get 36 Watts of them for just $14 shipped:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunpower-Maxeon-...or/252161621943

For the power bank there are zillions of ugly options on the market. However there is nothing comparable to what I was hoping to get with at least 15Ah, but with the really well thought out design for EDC (by the way, I took a $6 refund instead of returning that PB above, will try to combine 2 batteries inside).

Harbor Freight
has a small one

5 Watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger


http://www.harborfreight.com/5-watt-foldable-solar-panel-charger-60449.html

The Suntactics one is the backpackers choice for long distance hiking.