New integrated PC is good for the planet and brings genuine savings on power bills

by Sophie Furr - Editor

Published: 19 June, 2008

Akhter are the first British brand with an "All-in-One" PC, that has earned the latest ENERGY STAR® 4.0 qualification in the integrated computer category. Energy Star 4.0 is the environmental standard mandated across the EU, for public-sector purchasing of computers. Despite numerous claims to being eco-friendly and power efficient, few PCs actually qualify under Energy Star 4.0, which is the most challenging environmental standard to date.

Power saving design - just 3W in sleep mode

The LoCO2PC brings a 19 inch LCD screen, system unit, speakers and DVD writer into a single unit that occupies only a little more space than a standard LCD screen. The PC system unit consumes 44W and the LCD display just 32W. Smart power management and low energy design ensures that average power consumption is minimised. After a period without user activity the PC switches to sleep mode consuming only a tiny 3W, so forgetting to shutdown at the end of the day is not costly.

LoCO2PC is the world's first Energy Star 4.0 approved integrated PC running the powerful Intel^TM Core^TM2 Duo processors at 3GHz and suitable for demanding applications. Schools that select LoCO2PC to replace older multi-part desktop PCs will gain a powerful computer and 250GB storage capacity. Savings on power bills will be significant. Savings of around £225 over four years could realistically be expected, where PCs are used for 8 hours over 5 days per week (as well as saving the environment 1.4 tonnes of CO2). These figures will increase dramatically, where PCs are regularly left on overnight, and if energy costs continue to escalate. The integrated PC concept of LoCO2PC is an inherently "green approach" that reduces transport costs, uses fewer resources in manufacture, cuts down on packaging waste and complies with all the WEEE and RoHS environmental regulations.

Reducing the ICT environmental impact

Global warming of our planet concerns us all, leading to environmental commitments throughout government and industry. As IT accounts for around 10% of the UK's annual energy consumption, a real contribution to reducing CO2 emissions can be achieved just by switching to computers designed to minimise energy use.

Becta are advising schools to think seriously about reducing their own environmental impact:

"There are things you can do to lessen the environmental impact. When purchasing new equipment ask about energy use and efficiency."

Publicly funded organisations including schools are now required to purchase low energy electrical products qualified under Energy Star 4.0.

Slim space saving unit - just 85mm depth

The integrated All-in-One approach has advantages for schools over desktop PCs in releasing workspace. By eliminating the footprint of the desktop PC system, or the need for under desk space, the LoCO2PC brings comfortable space saving design. The approach enables rooms that were often not designed to accommodate computers, to be used to maximum capacity. More leg room and higher density seating is made possible. The LoCO2PC is conveniently transportable where a wireless option is built-in, just unplug it from the power socket and relocate the workstation, plug-in and go.

All of this helps classroom planners to create uncluttered IT suites and classroom ICT facilities. Fewer external cables mean that not only is the visual appearance tidy, it brings a safer working environment for all. Permanently connected external ports are located on the underside of the unit, to restrict access. This minimises the scope for interference or accidental dislodging. A built-in Kensington lock adds to overall security.

Unique VESA mount and integrated stand

Akhter's LoCO2PC provides a choice to seat the All-in-One unit in two different ways. The PC has its own stand as well as a built-in VESA 75mm/100mm mount. The desktop stand enables the All-in-One to be relocated easily. The VESA compliant mounting system provides the ability to locate the PC off the desktop. VESA is an Industry Standard mount for fixing screens to walls, ceilings or to the back of IT desks. For teachers, the use of a VESA swivel arm allows the PC to be swung aside whenever a complete view over the classroom is needed. With the VESA mounting system the LoCO2PC can be conveniently sited wherever computer screens are needed, without trailing leads or cumbersome separate system units.

Hard glass protection at 8H hardness

In everyday environments LCD displays have a typical lifetime of 3 to 5 years. To minimise the risk of any wear damage or minor vandalism Hard Glass has been incorporated as standard. This minimizes any risk of damage to the screen. The hard glass is rated at 8H hardness, which is capable of withstanding tough working environments.

Functionality

In spite of its neat form factor, the LoCO2PC All-in-One PC brings uncompromised facilities and capability. The integrated 19 inch LCD screen has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels and is comfortable to use from almost any angle with its 160° viewing capability. The system is fully multimedia capable, with built-in speakers, plus HDMI output to high definition TV and other external monitors. Demanding video handling is assured thanks to the Intel^TM GMA 3100 Graphics Media Accelerator. The LoCO2PC can be ordered with Wi-Fi and Touch Screen capabilities.

Features and connectivity

Built into the "All-in-One" is a slim-line optical DVD writer, 250GB of hard disk storage and 2GB memory as standard. The unit uniquely offers output to other monitors including a HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) audio/video connector interface. It supports TV or PC video formats including high-definition video. There are 6 external USB ports, 2 serial ports and 2 Ethernet ports that enable the PC to be linked to separate networks including 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet.

Future readiness

The LoCO2PC supports a range of Intel^TM dual core processors, and is even ready for future upgrades to "Wolfdale" the next generation of Intel^TM 45nm Hi-k metal gate silicon technology. These processors enhance the overall performance and power saving, taking low energy performance to a new level.

The LoCO2PC integrated advantage

The LoCO2PC has advantages over both notebooks and tower PCs that make it ideal for the classroom. A full 19 inch screen and full-sized keyboard make it ideal for children to use, and it is less easily damaged than a notebook. Its advantage over laptops is that there are no issues of battery life, recharging or secure storage. The compact design helps room planners to create multi-purpose classrooms. LoCO2PC is really economical to run and helps schools and colleges make their own contribution to the environment.

A LoCO2PC complete system with