The amazing LadyAda, hardware hacker extraordinaire, has posted an extremely detailed Instructables on her new, improved take on the ubiquitous Altoids tin USB device charger. She’s improved the circuit to make far more efficient use of the juice in two AA batts. The Instructables is far more than a how-to. She goes through the entire process of tackling an electronics problem, designing a solution, specing the parts, designing a PCB and getting it mass produced, assembling the project, testing, etc. Reading through this is quite a learning experience. She’s also making a kit available in her store. You can also just buy just the PCB, if you already have the other components. Nice job!
Hardware Beyond the Hype