GIFTS THAT CRANK

Recently bought two Freeplay hand-crank powered products, a Jonta torch (flashlight) and a Ranger AM/FM radio. Both rely on internal nickel metal hydride batteries that can be charged either by mains power or hand-crack. The radio also charges via a built in solar panel.

The Jonta torch has two brightness settings; despite having only one LED, on high beam it's roughly as bright as a 4 D-cell Maglite. Cranking resistance is pretty high though and it would be a real struggle to fully charge the thing from flat. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a torch that won't ever fail due to a flat battery, the Jonta, while it isn't cheap, is worthy of consideration.

The Ranger radio – also not cheap – is a practical basic radio. It sounds good and pulls in weak signals better than most. I cranked the radio until my arm got tired and got roughly 10 minutes of play at moderate volume.

If you're in Australia and looking for a hand-crank or solar powered product I suggest you try Multi-Powered Products. Their service is impossible to fault and the personal Thank You note from John Devitt – managing director – was a nice touch. (Just so you know, I've never met or spoken to Mr Devitt and have nothing to gain from this little plug.)