In the modern world, most of us need our own infrastructure just to get through the day. We need chargers for our phones, laptops, and electric vehicles; GPS for street-level directions; heart-rate monitors and pedometers when we exercise—and you get the idea.
But now, WeWi Telecommunications, Inc., a privately owned Ontario, Canada-based telecommunications firm with an Applied Research Division (W.A.R.D) – an elite sub-group dedicated to the research and development of cutting edge technologies for military and law enforcement applications—has developed a laptop that can go where you go without any extra accessories.
Appropriately named “Sol,” the computer uses a fold-out solar panel built into its cover to recharge its battery completely in two hours—providing eight to ten hours of operation before it must be “topped off” again.
image via designboom.com
The company’s website claims that the laptop is so environmentally-friendly that, “during its lifetime,” SOL is expected to clear about one ton of CO2 emissions simply because it will not require connection to a power grid.
The computer also is so durable; it’s almost like an armored tank. The laptop was designed with a tough, water-resistant outer casing, so that it could be used in developing countries with limited electricity. However, it also is being marketed to North American buyers as the “all-terrain, off-road, sport utility laptop.”
Even more interesting, Sol could come in handy during a Hurricane Sandy-type situation. WeWi predicts that it will be an in-demand ad hoc disaster recovery and connectivity solution for the public and private sectors.
SOL runs on the Ubuntu (News - Alert) operating system popular in Africa. The laptop reportedly has a 13.3 inch, 1366 x 768 pixel display, up to 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom D2500 dual-core processor with GMA 3600 graphics. It’s expected to launch in Ghana for around $300, but U.S. pricing will be pegged at closer to $350.
Edited by Ryan Sartor