MiniPC.org is about enabling computing among more people, in effect broadening educational opportunities. Both new ways of computing and new, “green” computers are advocated by MiniPC.org.
Ideas about green computing are now easily communicated with a demo of low-power, low-cost PCs. Research at MiniPC.org has helped these low-cost PCs become fully functional education PCs.
 Small CPU powered by LX800 processor consumes only 3-5 watts power. |
 Integrated 13.3-inches LCD widescreen and GX466 CPU consumes only 15 watts maximum power and is therefore ideal for areas with scarce electric power supply. |
These small form-factor PCs are products of innovations in x86 type computers, as well as FOSS software, notably the Puppy Linux OS.
See this video of the integrated PC booting minipup in 35 seconds! The white CPU has identical booting performance. (Download the video here.)
The miniPC project by Raffy Mananghaya and colleagues connected these hardware and software innovations to the needs of elearning and education.
The cooperating manufacturers are small companies from Taiwan that are developing products suitable for low-cost, low-power computing. Inquiries should be addressed to 
.
Some price estimates (CIF!) using low-cost postal delivery (EMS) from Taiwan/China: white CPU ~ US$199 including 256 MB RAM and wifi but no internal flash; black integrated PC ~ US329 with 256 MB RAM no internal flash, no wifi. Both can be booted via USB. The black PC can use USB wifi (provided by the user).
- Features of the white CPU: A Pentium III-equivalent PC rated at 500 mhz but is able to deliver 800 mhz computing experience, at 0.9 watt processor power (search for LX800 to see its technical specifications). RAM/DDR memory of 256 MB is soldered on the board and wifi is attached to the mini-PCI slot. The size of the box is 5″x6.5″x1.25″ (12.7cm x 16.5cm x 3.1cm). There are 4 USB2 ports, 1 ethernet (LAN) port, and 1 VGA port.
- Features of the black integrated PC: A Pentium II-equivalent PC rated at 333 mhz but is able to deliver 466 mhz computing experience, at 0.9 watt processor power (search for GX466 to see its technical specifications). SODIMM memory of 256 MB is provided. An LCD 13.3″ (16:9) screen is included in the same casing. As the board fits inside the casing, only the monitor is visible from the front and top. Viewed from below, these ports become visible: 1 PS/2; 1 ethernet (LAN); and 2 USB1.1.
Puppy Linux 2.17.1 as well as Minipup run well in these machines. Minipup is a version with Firefox and many other useful software, like Gimp for advanced photo editing and Skype for Internet telephony.
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