The SOL is a Ubuntu laptop equipped with a detachable solar
panel, which the developers claim will provide 10 hours of battery life
after just two hours in the sun
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In the Western world, we tend to take for granted some pretty basic
amenities, like reliable electricity. For people living in those
corners of the globe where electricity can be scarce, WeWi
Telecommunications, Inc. has developed the SOL, a rugged laptop that
doesn't rely on a power socket to stay charged. The Ubuntu Linux-powered
computer is instead equipped with a detachable solar panel, which the
developers claim will provide up to 10 hours of battery life after just
two hours in the sun.
We've seen
solar-powered laptops
before, but never one that promised to be this energy efficient. WeWi
claims the SOL never actually needs to be plugged into an electrical
outlet to charge, but it still has the option in case you need to keep
working late into the night. The solar panel can even detach and connect
to an extension cord, so you can use the computer indoors and still
keep it charged with direct sunlight.
Aside from benefiting the owner by supplying a readily-available
energy source, the SOL's solar panels should also help the environment
by reducing air pollution. According to the developers, each SOL
computer could prevent approximately a ton of CO2 emissions from being
released into the atmosphere during its lifetime simply by not charging
it exclusively through a power socket.
The designers hope the SOL can serve as a reliable computer for
students in developing nations and globe-trotting adventurers alike,
which is why the entire device has been designed for durability and
built from reinforced materials. Inside the case, the SOL houses an
Intel Atom D2500 1.86 GHz Duo Core processor with an Intel 945GSE
chipset. Users will have access to 320 GB of HDD storage as well as 2–4
GB of DDRIII SDRAM, depending on what the buyer chooses. The whole
computer has been optimized with Ubuntu in mind and comes pre-loaded
with a suite of productivity tools, but WeWi has stated that another OS
can be installed if needed.
The SOL uses a built-in Intel GMA3600 graphics card with a 13.3 in
LCD HD screen, which the designers are confident won't drain the battery
too quickly. The laptop has a 3 MP webcam fitted to the front along
with two speakers and an internal mic for online video chats, plus
inputs for USB 2.0, headphones, and HDMI, among others. It also includes
a few options for connecting to the internet, such as Wi-Fi and
3G/4G/LTE, plus connections for GPS and Bluetooth. Customers will even
have a choice to add a satellite communications module for especially
remote areas.
WeWi has not revealed a release date for its solar-powered laptop
just yet, but the company has noted there are two distinct models in the
works: the SOL and the SOL Marine, the latter of which will be
waterproof. The company is determined to make the computer as accessible
as possible, which is why it plans to distribute both versions
worldwide at a budget price of US$350 and $400 respectively. Customers
will also have a choice between a variety of color schemes for the case,
including black, gray, red, and bright green.
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