Back in 2010 Logitech surprised us by launching a wireless keyboard that required no batteries. Ever. Instead, Logitech had managed to integrate enough solar cells to render a more traditional power source unnecessary. And after owning such a keyboard for over a year now, I can attest it really does work and always has enough juice to transmit my input.

Last year the Mac version of that keyboard launched, but for 2012 Logitech is targeting other devices with its solar tech. That same idea has now been put to a new use in the popular field of tablet accessories. Logitech today announced a solar-powered keyboard specifically for use with the iPad.

Called the Solar Keyboard Folio, the keyboard links to your iPad via a Bluetooth connection, but also offers both front and back protection for your tablet. It can be positioned in two different stand angles, which actually alter the functionality of the keyboard. In position one it acts just like a standard keyboard. In position two, everything is hidden except the first row of keys which become media playback controls for when your iPad is being used to watch a movie or listen to some music.

The Folio will charge in both indoor and outdoor lighting environments, and also features and auto on/off toggle when you open or close the case. It costs $129.99, which seems like a lot for adding just a keyboard. However, when you consider it also replaces the cost of buying a case and will never require you to buy batteries, it suddenly looks a lot more reasonable.

The Solar Keyboard Folio is available to pre-order now on Logitech’s website, but should appear soon at other retailers, possibly with a slightly lower price tag.

Read more at Blog.Logitech

Been waiting to get started on that DIY netbook or tablet until you could easily integrate one of Pixel Qi’s daylight-readable displays? Now’s your chance! Tin Can Tools is offering up a slick new kit that includes everything you need.

That even includes a 10.1-inch Pixel Qi display — no small bonus, because it’s still not easy for the average Joe to get his hands on one. The kit also includes an Animal LVDS expansion board, an LVDS adapter board, and two 40-pin ribbon cables. It’s compatible with the very popular BeagleBoard Rev-C and xM, and both the PandaBoard and PandaBoard ES. Complete hookup instructions are included, of course.

So what’s all this going to set you back? Tin Can Tools is selling the kit for $299, which is about $24 more than you’ll pay for the Pixel Qi display alone — assuming you’re able to find someone that has it for sale in the first place. They’re still a bit tricky to purchase online, and many of the company’s listed distribution partners show no inventory on hand or backorders with no ETA.

The LVDS adapter board sells for $29 and the Animal for $59, so this is a pretty solid deal if you’re looking to lighten your DIY workload a bit.

At the time of writing, Tin Can Tools only had four kits for sale. That means you’ll have to be fast if you want to get your hands on one and impress your friends with that fancy new hand-made gadget you’ve been pondering. Just make sure you save $500 for a 3D printer to add the requisite finishing touches.

More at Pixel Qi  Image: Make forums