Presentation

From ApcAccess

Session 2: Tools and technologies - devices (hardware), software, and services - low cost computers By John Dada

Low cost must go in hand with Low Power

Low power technology now available, not so sure of low cost – but when machines are to be ordered in millions, cost can be brought down – this means such decisions are necessarily political.

Global context/ reality: Connectivity in Scandinavia is 1,000 times cheaper than in rural Nigeria

Most of these technologies are vendor-driven, little transfer of technology, little emphasis on content, Human and institutional capacities

People, Networks and capabilities

1. Solid state technology, Open source software, 2. Targets are schools: educational software Not really sure why EACH child should have a laptop when each child does not have an exercise book or chair in the classroom yet • Simputer, not really taken off as a hand-held, license costs, uptake by NGO community, it is hand-held so limitation of screen resolution etc • OLPC about $200 • InkMedia US$300

• Eee PC from Asus : working on resolution of the 7-inch LCD screen

• Intel Classmate PCs with Mandriva Linux pre-installed. Mandriva is providing a customized OS for Nigeria for under $10 per license, for 17000 PCs However the implementing contractor plans to wipe the computers' disks and install Windows XP

• Inveneo runs Ubuntu. Although not really "solar powered", it has a front-end DC-DC converter which enables the machine to be run from a wider voltage input range. Thus you can connect it to a nominal 12v lead-acid battery which will output 10.5v when almost flat, but up to 14.8v when being boost-charged. You still have to add the solar-panel, charger electronics and lead-acid battery to what Inveneo offer

• Solo Computer: local assembly of ultra-low power PC, solid state technology, Debian Linux for OS, emphasis on technology transfer at cottage level. No hard disk, memory cards for customized storages. So the product can continue to be developed and supported by its technical team. Power requirement of 8.5W easily provided by solar panel and its Universal Power Supply which is versatile for other home uses. Importation of components from Far East, importation of solar panels, development of necessary and relevant content

Main challenge is content, application and skills for these computers - maybe even create an entire primary and secondary school study guide for Nigeria.