Low-Power PCs:Results from a Comparative Research in Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe

Ugo VallauriComputer 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

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

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

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

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

Power Consumption - results

OLPC

Asus Eee PC

Classmate PC

Inveneo

Ncomputing X300

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Power consumption (W)

Performance - results

Kenyatta University Jos University NUST ZDNet

1) Asus 1) Inveneo 1) Asus Eee PC 1) Intel Classmate

2) Inveneo 2) Asus Eee PC 2) Intel Classmate 2) Asus Eee PC

3) Ncomputing X300 3) Intel Classmate 3) Ncomputing X300 3) Ncomputing X300

4) OLPC 4) OLPC 4) OLPC 4) Inveneo

5) Ncomputing X300 5) OLPC

Performance – in depth

Asus Eee PC

Inveneo

Classmate PC

Ncomputing X300

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Average Time required for test (min)

Test MethodologySoftware used- Word processor- Spreadsheet - Video playing - File transfer- Web browser

Power and time performance measuredby a voltmeter plugged to an additional PC

Overall Preferred Solution

Kenyatta University Jos University NUST ZDNet

1) Asus Eee PC 1) Asus Eee PC 1) Asus Eee PC 1) Asus Eee PC

2) Ncomputing X300 2) Ncomputing X300 2) Intel Classmate 2) Intel Classmate

3) Inveneo 3) Inveneo 3) Ncomputing X300 3) OLPC

4) OLPC 4) OLPC 4) OLPC 4) Inveneo

5) Intel Classmate 5) Ncomputing X300

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

Refurbished PCs are the most affordable solution whenreliable mains electricity is available

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

Contacts

Ugo VallauriTechnical R&D OfficerComputer Aid Internationalwww.computeraid.org

POBOX 1491-00100Nairobi, Kenya

ugo@computeraid.orgtel:+254-736-815961