I'm very involved in editing development-related topics on Wikipedia. Registered here on 26 June 2006.
Just noting some thoughts for now, to become a page later...
Low cost computer
This is meant as a resource for those wishing to build low cost computers, suitable for developing countries, and for those wanting to reuse old computers or computer parts. The hardware choices are more relevant to new computers (or new parts) but the software choices apply to both.
It describes the choices available, depending on desired features such as:
- ultra-low power consumption and battery or crank power (always desirable, but not essential if mains supply is available)
- portability
- storage type (hard disk, flash)
Existing projects
There are several projects to develop and sell a low cost computer for the developing world. These are not yet ready, although the $100 laptop is planned for release in early 2007.
For more information, see the Wikipedia articles for these projects:
- $100 laptop (Note this will be subsidised, and the $100 target won't be reached immediately. It is proposed that anyone can buy one, for approximately $225(?), which will help subsidise the cheaper ones.)
- Simputer
- Jhai Foundation
- African project (name, link?) more features, but an estimated cost above US$1100. Intended for groups rather than individuals.
CPU (chip)
(Make Table - cost, speed, suitable o/s)
Storage type
The main options for storage are:
- hard disk
- flash
The $100 laptop has no hard disk, using a (flash drive instead? how is data stored between sessions?)
RAM
Some Linux systems (see below) require as little as 4 MB of RAM - though more is obviously better.
Operating system
Windows
Windows is the best known system; however, we don't want to spend this much money, even if we have a computer which can run Windows.
Pirate versions are common in some developing countries, but:
- Obviously Appropedia can't endorse pirate software, and
- By using Linux, we encourage and tap into a community of users and open-source programmers who are likely to support our efforts.
Windows also is more resource-hungry, less reliable and stable than Linux.
Linux
Using a lightweight version of Linux specially designed for older computers may be the best option. Even 486 machines can run with some of these.
Linux is also free.
Some of the distributions (i.e. versions) of Linux can be difficult to install if you're unfamiliar, so it is planned that this section will link to.
See:
Software
The requirements for software are:
- Free
- Easy to use
- Low resource use
Distributions of Linux typically include some applications. Additional sutiable software may be found by following these links: ...
Media drives
Unless otherwise stated, the drives shown are for desktop systems.
| Drive type | Cost (retail) | Cost (bulk) | Energy usage | Pros | Cons |
| CD | Allows information distribution by CD | Info distribution is often by DVD now. | |||
| CD-RW (read-write) | Allows users to share information more easily. | ||||
| DVD | Expense? | ||||
| DVD-RW | Expense? |
Portability
For Wikipedia articles on other appropriate technology ICT projects, see here.
Power issues
Low usage options
The $100 laptop is planned to use 2 W of power or less. This is a great boon where power is limited or expensive.
However, in many contexts, where mains power is available, moderate power consumption is not a big problem, and it may not be worth the hardware cost to use ultra-low power consumption items.
Battery
Likely to be expensive.
Also less than ideal from an environmental point of view, particularly where recycling options are not available.
| Options | Cost | Power output | Operating time |
Alternatives for areas without mains power:
- Manually operated generators (#Crank power);
- An undesirable option is local energy production (e.g. solar or wind), and use only when power is available. This is very unreliable, restrictive, and leaves the computer prone to suddenly cutting off when the sun or wind drops.
Crank power
The $100 laptop is likely to have an optional hand-crank or foot-pedal, which will be a separate unit (to avoid damage to the computer by the physical stresses of cranking).
Resistance to sand and dust
Any moving parts will be particularly vulnerable.
If a conventional computer system is used, damage can be reduced by:
- Keeping the computer unit on a desk, not on the floor. Even with a mesh over the fan inlet, dusty air near the floor will harm the computer over time.