How would you like to have a rugged solar-powered laptop that you can carry anywhere, and use with just the power of the sun? How would you like if that laptop comes with decent specs, detachable solar-panels and is priced at less than $500 USD*? *Approximate pricing, may vary depending on duties, etc.
That's exactly what the SOL Laptop is all about!
That's exactly what the SOL Laptop is all about!
Have a look at the important specs of the SOL Laptop:
- CPU: Intel Atom D2500 1.86 GHz Duo Core, Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
- HDD: Seagate 2.5” SATA HDD 320GB
- RAM: Kingston 2-4GB DDRIII SDRAM (Options Available)
- OS: Ubuntu Linux
- Graphics: 1080p HD Vide, Built-In Intel GMA3600 Graphics
- Battery Operating Time: 8 - 10 hours
- Display: 13.3" LCD, WXGA, 1366 x 768
- Modem: 3G/4G World/multimode LTE
- GPS: gpsOne Gen8A
- WiFi: MIMO 802.11b/gn (2.4/5GHz)
- Weight: 5.02 lbs
Ok, these are not any stellar specs, but this configuration is very much sufficient for most normal (and vital) usages of a laptop. But the main highlight is - All this comes at an unbelievable price-point (I hope the solar panels are included at this price - we need to wait for the commercial release to confirm). There is a variant of this laptop that is water-proof as well - Rugged and Water-proof make a perfect travel companion!
More importantly, this laptop enables people to get off the grid and reduce their carbon foot-print and small amount of electricity bills (in urban areas) or enables people to start using computers (in rural areas), even if there is no electricity. A lot of places either don't have electricity or have so much power cuts that the electricity is very unreliable. Solar laptops could be very useful in such situations. A game changer, actually.
It is also possible to convert normal laptops to work using solar power. Have a look at one interesting implementation below -
Or you can have a centralized solar-panel/inverter/charger controller system for home and use that system to power your laptop. But these approaches are either complex or expensive.
Hence, a solar laptop, that is designed from ground-up to be compact and to be used with solar power (with optional electrical charging) is an excellent idea. Especially if it comes at a great price.
I mailed WEWI, the Canadian company building the SOL Laptop and they told me that this laptop will be available in India, as well. We can expect it (mostly) by December, 2013. Right now, they are in the process of finalizing distributors and channel partners - This might be a good time to approach them if you want to sell these laptops in India.
Aren't you excited? I don't know about you, but this will most probably be my next laptop :)
