Akhter's Greener PC Innovation
With long-term energy costs rising, "green technology" is the future. As IT is one of the main consumers of electricity, the ethical challenge for PC manufacturers is to meet society's power saving aspirations without compromising on performance. Many PCs claim to be eco-friendly however the key question is whether it achieves the Energy Star 4.0 qualification. Akhter launched its first "green" All-in One PC in mid 2008. As with any All-in-One, the LoCO2G31 PC faced a greater challenge than conventional PCs in passing Energy Star®4.0. With integrated PCs, both the monitor and computer system are measured together in the test, so the All-in-One PC needs to prove even better than its desktop rivals. Akhter's first green All-in-One PC exceeded Energy Star's stringent tests, passing by over 15%.
Generation Green - half the energy of a light bulb
Just 6 months on from the birth of Akhter's first All-in-One green PC, Akhter have launched LoCO2MS, a second generation eco-friendly All-in-One PC. The new model measured on the same basis qualifies at just 26 watts a figure that is more typical of a 19 inch LCD monitor alone. The new LoCO2MS betters the requirement of the Energy Star® 4.0 test by 60%. LoCO2MS is extremely eco-friendly to run. It only uses about half the electricity of a standard light bulb, so it reduces electricity bills substantially. With energy savings of circa £150 per annum, the equipment can payback on the investment during its lifetime and reduce an organisation's "Carbon Footprint" by up to 6 tonnes of CO2 per year. When not in use the PC goes into Sleep mode, where power consumption drops to just 2.5W and then to 1.5W in Standby mode.
Performance and choice
Unlike some low energy PCs that achieve their power economy by compromising on performance. LoCO2MS includes the latest Intel CoreTM2 Duo processors running at up to 2.53GHz with 6MB cache, as well as a range of Intel dual core processors that will suit different budgets.
Pristine ICT rooms and classrooms
The LoCO2MS is slim and highly presentable and beauty counts when building ICT suites that look pristine and state-of-the-art. The compact design brings a better working environment with scope in some instances for increasing the number of ICT places in a room. The 19 inch widescreen PC unit has only a 65mm maximum depth, and without the stand it weighs less than 5kg. The All-in-One concept means less workspace is occupied than with desktop or tower PCs, so rooms are more multipurpose. The LoCO2MS also brings the advantages of lower heat, so room temperature will tend to be more comfortable in summer as rooms are less likely to overheat. These low energy computers also reduce the energy impact and costs of air-conditioning. As there is very little heat generated by the LoCO2MS, the system relies principally on silent proprietary copper pipe heat exchange. There is no fan directed at the CPU and the external power supply does not require a fan. Minimal near silent fans are incorporated with the result that the familiar background noise is almost completely absent. The integrated design has fewer plugs and leads, so study rooms look considerably tidier, as well as quieter.
When older schools were built, classrooms were not conceived with computer use in mind, so the slim minimalist profile of LoCO2MS really helps. In some instances the compact design may help room planners to expand the number of ICT places in a classroom.
The option of VESA mounting further releases desk space keeping the surface clear. With security fasteners VESA mounting can improve the PC's security in vulnerable areas. A built-in Kensington Lock, BIOS password and built-in TPM ensures data security and reduces the opportunity for thieves. Akhter can supply IT desks with secure VESA arms to locate the LoCO2MS on a neat tilt and swivel mount.
Touch screen and multimedia
The LoCO2MT is the Touch Screen version of the same All-in-One PC. It supports popular learning applications used in Primary and SEN Education. The touch screen version comes with hard glass as standard, protecting the screen from wear, accidents and abuse.
In spite of its slick lines, the All-in-One PC brings uncompromised facilities. The 19 inch widescreen supports up to 1440 x 900 pixels. The system is fully multimedia capable, with built-in speakers, plus HDMI output to support high definition TV. Output via S/PDIF brings Dolby Digital Audio sound quality. With a 2.0 megapixel webcam, audio speakers, microphone and headphone ports, the LoCO2MS is ready for exciting multimedia applications.
LoCO2MS is one of the greenest PCs ever. It's priced from £699 plus VAT, and an extra £100 for the touch screen hard glass MT version. Both are available from Akhter from January 2009.
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