Low-Power PCs: Results from a Comparative Research in Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe Ugo Vallauri Computer Aid International

Computer Aid International The world's largest not-for-profit provider of practical ICT solutions for development More than 140,000 PCs shipped in over 100 countries Currently providing 100% Pentium 4 PCs

The world's largest not-for-profit provider of practical ICT solutions for development

More than 140,000 PCs shipped in over 100 countries

Currently providing 100% Pentium 4 PCs

Why low-power ?

Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa: main problems Low rates of electrification especially in rural areas: Kenya: 14%, Nigeria 46%, Senegal 33% Unreliable power supply Cost of renewable energy alternatives

Low rates of electrification especially in rural areas:

Kenya: 14%, Nigeria 46%, Senegal 33%

Unreliable power supply

Cost of renewable energy alternatives

Which low-power solution? All manufacturers claim to provide the best solution. Need for independent tests based on: power consumption, performances and functionality Computer Aid’s initiative in partnership with: ZDNet and Universities in Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe

All manufacturers claim to provide the best solution.

Need for independent tests based on: power consumption, performances and functionality

Computer Aid’s initiative in partnership with: ZDNet and Universities in Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe

First Round: UK lab testing 8 solutions tested, 5 selected for further testing in Africa 1 desktop: Inveneo Computing Station 1 thin client: Ncomputing X300 3 notebooks: Asus Eee PC, OLPC XO, Intel Classmate

8 solutions tested, 5 selected for further testing in Africa

1 desktop: Inveneo Computing Station

1 thin client: Ncomputing X300

3 notebooks: Asus Eee PC, OLPC XO, Intel Classmate

Second Round: tests in African Universities Testing institutions: Kenyatta University (Kenya), Jos University (Nigeria) and NUST (Zimbabwe) Tests adapted to capture realistic needs Additional tests on power consumption and performance Difficulties due to power shortages in partner institutions

Testing institutions: Kenyatta University (Kenya), Jos University (Nigeria) and NUST (Zimbabwe)

Tests adapted to capture realistic needs

Additional tests on power consumption and performance

Difficulties due to power shortages in partner institutions

Power Consumption - results

Performance - results

Performance – in depth

Test Methodology Software used - Word processor - Spreadsheet - Video playing - File transfer - Web browser Power and time performance measured by a voltmeter plugged to an additional PC

Overall Preferred Solution

Total Cost of Ownership School Lab with 20 concurrent users Model Asus Eee PC Ncomputing X300 Computer Aid New Desktop PC Power 240W 800W 1900W 1900W Cost $5,250 $3,730 $2,760 $12,000 Lowest power , High cost Low power, Low cost High power, Lowest cost High power, Highest cost

Discussion Asus Eee PC is the overall winner Ncomputing X300 is appreciated for equipping classrooms R efurbished PCs are the most affordable solution when reliable mains electricity is available Download the full report on Computer Aid's website: http://www.computeraid.org

Asus Eee PC is the overall winner

Ncomputing X300 is appreciated for equipping classrooms

R efurbished PCs are the most affordable solution when reliable mains electricity is available

Download the full report on Computer Aid's website: http://www.computeraid.org

Contacts Ugo Vallauri Technical R&D Officer Computer Aid International www.computeraid.org POBOX 1491-00100 Nairobi, Kenya [email_address] tel:+254-736-815961