CES The manufacturers behind the original solar backpack, Voltaic Systems, has launched a new bag that generates enough power from the sun's rays to charge laptops. Notebook users will now be able to unplug from the power grid and power up from the sun.

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The "Generator" uses a single solar panel to produce up to 14.7W of power - enough, so it's claimed, to fully charge a typical laptop from a full day of sunlight. As a result, it also charges virtually all other handheld electronics.

The bag is constructed from fabrics made with recycled soda bottles (PET), which are tough, waterproof and UV resistant. It includes a protective frame and padded laptop sleeve with ample room for phones, PDAs, cameras etc. The solar panels come in four color options: orange, silver, green and charcoal.

Initial pricing suggests around $599 (£305) and it's expected to hit the shelves around Spring.