Review: Aleutia E1
January 23rd, 2008 by Shawn Powers
Linux Journal Gadget Guy, Shawn Powers, reviews the Aleutia E1, a small, portable computer that uses very little electricity and can run on solar power.
__________________________
Shawn Powers is an Associate Editor for Linux Journal. You might find him chatting on the IRC channel, or Twitter
Special Magazine Offer -- Free Gift with Subscription
Receive a free digital copy of Linux Journal's System Administration Special Edition as well as instant online access to current and past issues. CLICK HERE for offer
Linux Journal: delivering readers the advice and inspiration they need to get the most out of their Linux systems since 1994.
Subscribe now!
The Latest
Newsletter
Tech Tip Videos
- Jul-01-09
- Jun-29-09
Recently Popular
From the Magazine
July 2009, #183
News Flash: Linux Kernel 3.0 to include an on-the-go Expresso machine interface! Ok, maybe not, but Linux is definitely going mobile, from phones to e-readers. Find out more inside about Android, the Kindle 2, the Western Digital MyBook II, The Bug, and Indamixx (a portable recording studio). And if you've gone mobile and you been wanting more Emacs in your life then check out Conkeror.
To compliment the mobile we've got the stationary: parsing command line options with getopt, checking your Ruby code with metric_fu, and building a secure Squid proxy. How is this stationary you ask? What can we say? It's not. We just wanted to see if anybody actually read this part of the page :) .
All this and more, and all you have to do is get your hot sweaty hands on the latest copy of Linux Journal.
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Facebook








Thank You
On September 14th, 2008 muhabbet (not verified) says:
Thanks You
KOALA.IT nano PC
On February 1st, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
In Italy we have almost the same as this tiny PC and another one called KOALA micro PC which is like Zonbu. http://www.koala.it
Aleutia E1 alternative
On January 28th, 2008 Leke (not verified) says:
LinuTop - Smaller, better specs, cheaper
http://www.linutop.com/
More about the Aleutia E1
On January 24th, 2008 Carlie Fairchild says:
From www.aleutia.com
Designed for Rural Africa
Works in places other computers don't.
* During peak performance, the E1 consumes just 8W of power, 4% of what a typical (200W) desktop uses. Runs off a car battery or a cheap solar panel.
* Keep Working During Power Cuts! A UPS that will keep a standard desktop running for 15 minutes will power an E1 for 6.5 hours!
* Everything is stored on a CF card, which can be instantly removed to ensure security of your information.
* Efficient web browser for slow Internet connections.
* Discounted 5-Pack for rural schools available, with low-power displays, solar panel, and battery.
Every application you need and as fast as XP
Puppy Linux is pre-installed. Completely Stable and Fast!
* Practically identical interface to Windows, no learning curve required!
* Office-compatible - create/modify/save Excel and Word files, or even PDFs.
* Spreadsheet program opens in 3 seconds.
Works Off-the-Grid, Available with LCD, Solar Panel
For aid workers, meteorologists, field engineers, and people on the move.
* Ultra-portable version: E1 with 8" Display, foldable solar panel, and lightweight battery.
* Fits in laptop bag, takes 5 minutes to set up.
* Display and E1 run for 3.5 hours on a charge. Can recharge by car.
Or buy a kit with roof-mounted solar panel and 9kgs battery for less!
* Ideal for healthcare clinics, remote offices, or just individuals without power.
* 30 minute set up.
* Will power E1 and display for 13 hours on a charge.
Specifications
E1 Hardware Details
* Processor: 200MHz x86 CPU, Memory: 128MB SDRAM, Storage: 1GB (included Compact Flash card), Power Supply (US, UK, or EU).
* 3 x USB 1.1 ports (12Mbps transfer rate), 1 x 10/100 Ethernet port, VGA port to connect LCD display (supports resolutions up to 1280x1024)
* Power consumption of 8W with CPU and SDRAM running at full speed. With external devices (USB CD Rewriter, USB-powered hard drive) power consumption rises to 11W.
* Dimensions: 11.5cm (Width) x 11.5cm (Lenght) x 3.5cm (Height)
* Weight: 505g
E1 Software Specifics
* Puppy Linux Operating System (version 2.14) - similar in appearance to MS Windows, stable, and pre-installed.
* Excel-compatible spreadsheet software (Gnumeric), Word-compatible word processor (Abiword)
What's in the Box?
* The Aleutia E1 workstation, 1.0 GB CF Card, USB travel mouse, waterproof, rollable keyboard, user manual.
* 3 Year International Warranty, 3 Year Email Support, 90 Day Return Policy.
* Price: £179
Ultra-Portable Office in a FedEx Box
* E1 Workstation package (see above)
* 8" LCD TV (VGA 640x480 resolution) with VGA-input and remote | 1 kg | 12W Power Consumption
* Brunton 26W Waterproof Foldable Solar Panel, folds to A4 size, includes mobile phone adapter for trickle-charging | 500g
* 72Wh Li-ion Battery Pack, Case, DC-AC converter, can charge standard laptop, mobile phones, iPod | 1kg
* 3 Year International Warranty, 3 Year Email Support, 90 Day Return Policy.
* Price: £499 | Total Weight 3kgs | Fits in Laptop Bag
Semi-Portable Office in a Box
* E1 Workstation package
* 10.4" LCD TV (SVGA 800x600 resolution) with VGA-input and remote | 2 kg | 10W Power Consumption
* Roof-mount solar panel, 3.4kgs
* 240Wh Lead Acid 12V Battery, DC-AC converter | 7 kgs
* 3 Year International Warranty, 3 Year Email Support, 90 Day Return Policy.
* Price: £389 | Total Weight 13 kgs
__________________________Carlie Fairchild is the publisher of Linux Journal.
Interesting title...
On January 24th, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
Too bad I can't view the content.
Featured VIDEO
On January 24th, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
What part of VIDEO do you not understand?
To be fair, the link on the
On January 24th, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
To be fair, the link on the main page says "Read more" not "View more".
Aleutia, Nice...but
On January 23rd, 2008 Peter D'Souza (not verified) says:
Thanks for reviewing the Aleutia. It's nice to know that you can compute "off the grid", but you didn't indicate that it comes with a built-in monitor, or does it? Chances are that you won't be able to schlep around a monitor, and even if you do, chances are that the monitor is strapped to the grid. Like the MacMini, it will probably sell better for its quietness, low power consumption, and (some day) equivalent power as a standard desktop.
Also, no mention of a CDROM drive. Does it have one?
'Printer friendly Version ???'
On January 23rd, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
This article can't be read or printed - it's just a link to a 'YouTube' segment.
Pretty Poor
well I would have liked to
On January 23rd, 2008 Anonymous (not verified) says:
well I would have liked to read this, but I can't. There is no text content.
Post new comment