TIME.com: Inventions of the Year -- The best inventions of 2001

Tired of having your cell-phone battery go dead just when you need it most? FreeCharge is a half-pound, hand-cranked generator that you can attach to your cell phone and turn for 30 sec. to generate enough juice for five minutes of talk time. The first version will work on most Motorola phones; the next ones will power other makers' phones. This is the third in a series of windup electronic devices originally designed for use in developing nations. The first two—the Freeplay radio and flashlight—have been surprise hits in the U.S.

Availability: In 2002, for $65
To Learn More: www.motorola.com

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