The Solo is an ultra-low power, transportable computer
designed to operate from a number of different power
sources including solar panels and lead-acid vehicle
batteries. Its ultra-low-power design enables it to
be used indefinitely away from sources of mains electricity.
Solo is a transportable rather than a portable computer.
The entire device can be solid state, having no disc
drives or moving parts. The base operating system is
in ROM, applications in Flash RAM and the usual RAM
for workspace. For certain software requiring ongoing
disc-access, a 1-inch microdrive replaces the internal
Compact Flash. It uses a TFT Liquid Crystal Display,
which may optionally be touch sensitive, removing the
need for a separate keyboard and mouse. It may be supplied
in a variety of configurations and screen sizes depending
on the location of the manufacturer and their intended
market.
The Solo is designed to be assembled and supported
by manufacturing companies based within Third World
countries thereby offering employment within a high-technology
industry without moving to an advanced westernised city.
Some of the objectives of Solo computer are:
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To encourage trade and growth
of the indigenous economy, including the production
and possible export of the Solo computers themselves |
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To aid communications, and stimulate transfer
of information across the digital divide |
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To provide access to medical data for clinics
in remote areas, including Aids awareness, and
access to remote diagnosis using email and digital
photography |
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To foster educational links with schools
in Western Countries for the mutual benefit
of both parties |
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To provide a computer technology appropriate
for the majority of needs within the 3rd World,
using renewable energy resources and promoting
sustainable development ideals |
Government administration throughout the Developing
World is too often branded as incompetent by those who
do not understand the greater difficulties brought about
by lack of access to mains electricity and a basic telephone
network.
Using basic email communications on a Solo computer
has two major advantages:
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Messages are date/time stamped,
providing a clear record of who requested an
action and when |
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The recipient need not be present in the
office when the message is sent, thus enabling
local chiefs and village elders to maintain
their traditional face to face meetings with
constituents in the area of administration |
A Solo computer can provide access to basic information
of concern to the rural population including a list
of their democratic rights, and documents to show which
level of government is responsible for particular service
provision. Forms to apply for grant aid, transport and
export of goods can be stored and printed on demand
as required.
Education is still a luxury in the Developing World.
Schools have few resources and books are much sought
after. Yet a computer link to another school in The
West could bring so many benefits to both communities.
Emails can be exchanged between pupils, and the comparisons
of culture and environment would yield much educational
enrichment. Solo technology bridges the digital divide,
enabling communications to the most remote parts of
the 3rd World. It is often forgotten that most medical
workers in the rural Third World are not from Western
Aid Organisations, but rather indigenous staff, often
struggling with poor access to the latest information
or communications with colleagues.
Solo technology can bring the most up to date information
to any clinician in the most remote parts of the world.
Regular updates of medical data can be sent to hospitals
using a small memory card. Most common file formats
are supported on the Linux operating system including
graphics. With the addition of a digital camera, a doctor
can also email photographs of casualties to other medical
experts elsewhere in the world and seek advice.
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Olaposi Abiola, OVF Country Director and
John Dada of Fantsuam Foundation, shows the
junior pupils how to use a Solo computer. |
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