The NorhTec Gecko EduBook Runs on AA Batteries
Posted in: 9inch, Netbook, tags: norhtec gecko edubook
Just what else can be possibly done on a netbook? We got to give it to Norhtec for coming up with such an idea no matter how absurd it is. We’re talking about the Gecko EduBook, an 8.9-inch netbook from Norhtec which is now being offered with a reconfigurable modular design to run on 8 NiMH AA batteries. And guess how much battery life you can get from those AA batteries? – 4 hours according to Norhtec.
The Gecko EduBook sports an 8.9-inch 1024×600 display and even has an internal power supply that can be recharged using AC line cord. So, you do the math. Which would be more economical? Paying a one time cost for the regular netbook battery pack or pay for 8 NiMH batteries.
The Gecko EduBook’s listed specs include:
- Xcore 86 (Vortex86MX SoC) 1.0GHz CPU
- 256MB to 1GB RAM
- 8.9-inch LED backlit display with 1024×600 resolution
- Internal SD card or IDE HDD
- Ethernet Port
- SD Expansion Slot
The Gecko Edubook will be available sometime in July for around $200 which will include a WiFi module and 8GB SD card.
Related posts:
Entries (RSS)
[...] Source [Eee PC] [...]
Please note that the estimated $200.00 end user price will include 8 1.2 volt 2000 maH batteries. These should last through 500 charge cycles. Typical battery packs cost about $70USD or more. Our goal is to offer a netbook that can be used many years as a student’s edubook.
Typical Li Ion batteries have a 3 year lifespan and the process of chemical deterioration starts as soon as the batteries leave the factory. In 1,000 quantity, a set of 8 NiMH batteries will cost about $8.00 or so. The batteries can be refreshed cheaply and in areas where power is not easily available, a new set of AA NiMH batteries can be charged when there is power and used as a spare set.
There are no moving parts. This will make the system more rugged and allow the Edubook to be used in dirty climates.
By making the units modular, developing countries can buy only the barebones edubook from us and then buy the SD, batteries and WIFI module from manufactures and assemble the whole unit in 2 minutes.
By putting the power supply inside the unit, we eliminate another costly item that is often replaced. If a student looses a power cord, the cost is minimal to replace it.
Personally, I think this idea is pure brilliance. I’d prefer buy 8 AA batteries and a charger than a $60+ battery pack. But…why 8? I’m sure I’d have 24, or more, just sitting in my computer bag, giving me 16 hours of battery life for a fraction of the cost of a normal battery.
My only wish is that I hadn’t purchased my Acer Aspire One. True, it is more powerful. But, I spent $75 on a 9-cell battery for it. Plus, the SSD is not user replacable, like in the edubook.
My only concern is that, like most netbooks, the edubook is going to come with a bad version of linux. UNR is good, so there’s definitely hope, but I find UNR just eats battery life like crazy. If I were to get an edubook I’d be designing an OS using the ubuntu repositories, but with something like Lxlauncher running instead of the heavy nature of gnome.
The Gecko is “IT” IMHO.
I can’t wait to get one ASAP.
I would only object for lack of a internal miniPCI slot, so there is room for improvement.
I agree with everything else.
As soon as the AA sized reach 2800mAh the Gecko will threaten the 5th hour of operation on a trivial alternative to LiPo bat-pack.
;-)
If there is a chance, i will get a recent Slackware to run on it.
Q: Can the internal AC charger handle SM AC inverter that generate the “modified sine wave” type of AC?
NorhTec: thumbs up!