Ascending environmental awareness is inspiring a new wave of green technology, with some of the newer incarnations being portable music and video players. What’s so special about these portable players? They’re totally self-powered and completely off the grid - no batteries or cords needed.

Currently, there are two of these devices on the market: the Media Street eMotion Solar ($160 to $190 from 1 to 4 gigabytes) and the Baylis Eco Media Player ($200, available through realgoods.com, 2 gigabytes). The eMotion player opens up sort of like a book, exposing two solar panels that can be placed in the sunlight for full self-charging within 12 to 15 hours. The Eco Player has a small, unobtrusive winder in the back, with one minute of winding generating about 40 minutes of play.

These eco-friendly gadgets are perfect for savvy energy users as well as for long drives, campers and backpackers, and anyone else in need of a little entertainment sans electrical outlet. Get the full scoop on these eco-friendly media players from the unabridged NY Times article.

here or here and check out these green media companions from Real Goods and Media Street, should you find yourself in the market!