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Solar-Powered Personal Computers for Indian Schoolchildren

Stephanie — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:40:50 +0000

i-Slate solar powered personal computer

We have solar powered cell phones, so why not solar-powered personal computers? The answer is – yes!

The i-Slate is a solar-powered tablet PC developed by Rice University and Nanyang Tech University of Singapore. The solar-powered personal computers are currently being tested by schoolchildren in Indian villages. The solar gadget stands to significantly improve educational opportunities for 100 million students in rural villages.

For remote villages located off-grid, the lack of electricity means that devices we take for granted simply have not been available. Can you imagine growing up in the 21st century without use of computers to help you learn and connect to the rest of the world? That doesn’t have to be the case with the i-Slate, which is charged with solar energy, and requires very little power to operate.

According to the Times of India:

“India’s full economic potential will only be realised with sustainable, low-cost technologies that benefit all segments of the population,” said Krishna Palem, of Rice University who is leading the effort to replace the hand-held slates that millions of children use in schools today.

I-Slate , Palem’s brainchild, is in development at Institute of Sustainable and Applied Infodynamics (ISAID) which is based at NTU. The first prototypes of the I-slate , which were built by a team that included three Rice undergraduates, are set to undergo their second round of tests in India later this month.
Palem, who directs ISAID, said the device is the first of a series of electronic notepads being built around a new class of green, power-stingy microchips that use a fraction of the electricity of today’s processors.

The solar-powered personal computers were tested in August 2010 by students aged 10-13 years old The slate PCs use solar power from embedded solar panels like those on some cell phone models and handheld calculators.

With the i-Slate in the hands of millions of Indian village children, we can expect improved education, at little environmental cost!

Solar Powered iPod Sound System

Stephanie — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:24:16 +0000

The Eton Soulra: portable solar power for your digital music sound system

Solar gadgets are all the rage these days. If you’re looking for a great Christmas idea for a loved one (or yourself), you should consider a solar powered iPod sound system.

Pictured to the left, the Soulra – created by the über-green electronics company Etón – runs on portable solar power, making it the perfect solar device to take with you in all your outdoor pursuits. But exposure to any UV light will work, even indoors. Simply position the Soulra on your desk or table near a sunny window. The digital music player works with both the iPod and iPhone.

The solar powered iPod sound system includes the following features:

full range speaker drivers with an 11W output
rechargeable lithium-i0n battery
embedded solar panel that can be positioned to capture energy from the sun to power your sound system for hours (4 hours playing time with full charge)
battery monitoring light lets you know when recharging is advised
all-weather construction materials allowing for outdoor use
splash-proof, sealed speakers
Can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet with AC adapter
Remote control

You can find the Soulra at a number of retailers, including Amazon.com, the Apple Store, REI and Hammacher Schlemmer. Retail price is approximately $199.

Time to start your holiday shopping!

Xantrex Technologies 852-2071 Xpower AC/DC Powerpack Solar With 400 Watt Inverter, Two AC Outlets, USB Port, And Digital Display

Stephanie — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:35:26 +0000

Amazon.com

Operate your favorite gadgets anywhere with the Xantrex XPower Powerpack Solar. This portable solar device provides 400 watts of household power to run appliances and electronics. The Powerpack Solar’s solar panel continuously captures, stores, and converts the sun’s energy and extends the runtime of many portable devices. Two AC outlets, a DC socket, and a USB port give you plenty of options for simultaneously operating anything from laptops to cell phones to small T (more…)