Joon Sang Lee and Samuel Wangsaputra created Pentaform for a graduate project at London’s prestigious Royal College of Art. Their mission is to give easier access to technology, especially in developing countries, by providing a computer to roughly 4.5 billion people. Thus, the startup imagined a tiny laptop, with a reduced impact on the planet. Their creation, Abacus has an accessible price of 89£ (120$) for the basic version, and 199£ (269$) for the Plus+ one.
A Screenless Biodegradable Laptop
One of the most surprising aspects of the Abacus is the absence of a screen. The keyboard-looking computer is compatible with any type of monitor, or even TVs but doesn’t have a screen. Screens often represent the most costly and fragile part of a laptop. Thanks to that, Pentaform reduced the Abacus’ carbon footprint by at least 65%.
Abacus is also very efficient as it consumes as much energy as an LED lightbulb – that is from 15 to 18 Watts of power. The laptop is completely biodegradable too: Pentaform made it from recycled ABS plastics and its packaging is mushroom-based.
A Gift To Workers And Technology Newbies
Abacus comes with a pre-installed Windows 10 and is compatible with Ubuntu Linux. Pentaform’s computer is ideal to learn how to use computers, about their components, and perfect to get an idea on how to code. Whatever you want to do or learn, you can do from the comfort of your sofa, by using the wireless keyboard.
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Actually, the Abacus Basic might fulfill the world’s needs right now. As we are talking, several countries have still their borders closed to protect themselves from COVID19. Remote working is a practice that has been playing an important role to reduce the virus’ spreading. Abacus could really be perfect to provide a computer to those who need either for work or study.
Efficent Technology
Considering its size and the fact it is biodegradable too, people might think that Pentaform’s computer might not be super fast. But it is actually quite the opposite. Pentaform’s Abacus is powered by Intel Quadcore processor at 1.44 GHz, Intel Gen8 HD graphics, and a µSD slot supporting up to 512 GB µSD card with the possibility of adding an eMMC module.
Concerning ports, it offers more possibilities than most laptops. HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm jack with mic, ethernet, VGA or USBs are all available. You won’t have any issue staying connected too thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2 and easy access to Wi-Fi.
To find out more about the product’s technical specifications, please visit Pentaform’s website.
Pentaform Helping Humans (And The Planet!)
The pandemic has changed the way we live, work and study. With AbacusBasic, Pentaform believes they could bring new opportunities to low-income people, those that have suffered the most from COVID19.
This startup is doing something unseen before: helping those who need a computer, while caring about our planet. Furthermore, the choice to avoid producing another unsustainable affordable product is brilliant.
Pentaform’s new green laptop, is giving everyone the chance to get an easier access to work, education, and all the other opportunities that technology and internet can provide.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com
