That's why we're pleased to note that a company called ReNu has just announced a solar panel that can be used to charge your iPhone or iPod, power the device's sound dock, or even keep your desk light shining sans mains power.

ENGADGET: ReNu solar panels announced for iPhone charger, sound dock, LED desk lamp

Why should a hotel desk lamp merely provide light when it can also contain an electrical outlet and a phone jack for your laptop so you don't have to crawl around the floor plugging stuff in?

FORBES: Magazine Article

Things like clearing your throat and tapping your fingers on the desk might well flip the status light to blue.

ENGADGET: Blue Microphones Tiki USB microphone review: a thumbdrive-sized mic for mobile recording