Last updated on 9th Aug. 2022
Readers may want to see: List of my posts related to Thinvent Micro 5, a low-cost Linux mini PC based on Tanix TX 3 Android TV box, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/08/list-of-my-posts-related-to-thinvent.html , 8th Aug. 2022
This post explores whether Thinvent "Micro 5" based low-cost (around Rs.10,000) standalone mini PC be used for teaching Internet browsing, Linux based Office package etc., and also used for online classes, in poor rural schools not having regular desktop or Laptop PC? It also explores some alternative approaches.
Summary of Conclusion
31st July 2022 Update
For info. about getting administrator access on Micro 5, readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .
end-31st-July-2022 update
If Thinvent company is able to provide administrator (sudo) password [31st July 2022 update: Now the password is known; please see above mentioned post] on request then I think the Micro 5 based low-cost Linux mini PC costing around Rs.10,000, will be suitable for above mentioned purpose. But if administrator (sudo) password is not provided, due to inability to install new software packages and update old software packages on Micro 5, and to handle any administrator level issue that may crop up, I think the Micro 5 based mini PC will be unsuitable for above mentioned purpose.
G1 company's Thick Client's product description page talks of Ubuntu Mate desktop OS being loaded on it. I don't know if G1 company will disclose administrator (sudo) password (or whether it is blank). If G1 company shares administrator (sudo) password then G1 Thick Client based low-cost Linux mini PC costing around Rs.12,300, will be suitable for above mentioned purpose.
Details
Micro 5 desc.: Thinvent Micro 5 Linux Mini PC/Thin Client ARM A53 Quad-core 2.0 GHz (64 bit I think as lscpu gave "Architecture: aarch64"), 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, Supported max resolution: 1920x1440, HDMI, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 microSD port, 100 Mbps Ethernet (LAN) port (RJ 45), Wireless networking 802.11n, Audio Out
In the recent past, I did a lot of Internet based exploration about possibility of the very interesting cost-effective Thinvent Micro 5 box based Linux mini PC being used as a single standalone mini PC in those poor rural schools that do not have any computers today. Note that this is in contrast to a Thin client solution with many Thin clients and one powerful server computer, which seems to be a well known solution to meet needs of schools but which will be far more expensive that one single Micro 5 based Linux mini PC.
To put it in other words, I was looking at an around 10,000 Rupees Linux mini PC offering for poor rural schools where one such around Rs.10K mini PC could be donated by a donor, and which mini PC could be used for demonstration purposes by teacher(s) and also used by students in (slow/very slow) rotation (which is better than having no computer at all in the school). I should also say here that I do not know how well the government has funded such poor rural schools and whether most such schools have already been provided computers by the government. But I am quite sure that some poor rural schools in Puttaparthi mandal of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh would not be having a functioning computer to be used to teach students. And so, I was keenly exploring possibility of a Micro 5 based around Rs.10K standalone mini PC solution for such schools.
In rural India, at least in my experience of rural India in Puttaparthi town, maintenance and repair of computers can be a challenge due to lack of easy access to knowledgeable technicians as well as spare parts. So when I am looking at mini PC for a rural school, I am considering only devices/components that are sold by noted companies and are backed by typically a 1 year warranty, and which companies could usually be approached for service for some reasonable charges for devices/components purchased from them whose warranty period has expired. Note that in such warranty of low-cost products, usually one has to send the product to the company at one's own cost. Further, I am looking only at new devices/components (even if technology may be somewhat old in some cases) and not second hand devices/components.
Configuration and price of a Micro 5 based Linux mini PC costing around Rs.10,000
- Micro 5 @ Rs.2850 (including delivery charges of around Rs.150, 1 yr warranty)
- 15 inch monitor @ Rs.3550 (as 15 inch seems to be lowest size PC computer monitor available freely in the market) (Enter 15.4 inch, HDMI, https://www.amazon.in/Enter-15-4-Backlit-Monitor-MO-A06/dp/B08WKJZ1YT/ , 1 yr warranty)
- USB keyboard+mouse @ Rs.449 (Zebronics, 1 yr warranty, https://www.amazon.in/Zebronics-Zeb-JUDWAA-750-Wired-Keyboard/dp/B07KR5P3YD )
- USB webcam @ Rs.904 (Lapcare Lapcam HD 720M P, Noise Isolated Microphone with Computer HD streaming Web cam for Desktop & Laptop with mic with Wide Angle Lens & Large Sensor for Superior Low Light (Black), 1 yr. Warranty, https://www.amazon.in/Lapcare-Isolated-Microphone-Computer-Streaming/dp/B08CRVVWYV/ )
- 4 port USB hub @ Rs.170 (Zebronics ZEB-90HB USB Hub, 4 Ports, Pocket Sized, Plug & Play, for Laptop & Computers, https://www.amazon.in/Zebronics-ZEB-90HB-Pocket-Laptop-Computers/dp/B097JQ1J5G/ , 6 month warranty) [Micro 5 has 2 USB ports and so such a 4 port USB hub is needed to connect more than 2 USB peripherals/devices.]
- PC UPS @Rs.2049 as on 17th Dec. 2021 (ZEBRONICS ZEB-U725 U725 UPS, 1 yr warranty, https://www.flipkart.com/zebronics-zeb-u725-u725-ups/p/itme7496nfg3vhad ) [See Note 2 about possibility of using Mini UPS at lower cost of Rs.1299.]
Total price: 2850+3550+449+904+170+2049=Rs.9972. I am rounding it to Rs.10,000. Note that prices given above are as of 16th Dec. 2021 unless specified otherwise.
Further note that Wi-Fi Internet facility is not included in above cost. It is presumed that that will be made available when Internet needs to be used on the mini PC, say through a Mobile Hotspot on some smartphone. I have also not included cost of any USB headset with microphone which may be an important accessory for video conferencing & participating in online classes. Note that microphone of low-cost webcam may not be sensitive enough to pick up spoken words well.
Look-and-feel and performance
31st July 2022 Update
end-31st-July-2022 update
Obsoleted-by-31st July 2022 Update
As mentioned in the above review, a major drawback of above Micro 5 product is that, at least by default, the product owner is not informed of the administrator (sudo) password thereby not allowing for installation of new packages or even manual update of software. Initially I thought one could manage with this drawback in the rural schools context. But now I feel that a rural school administrator who is provided such a product, would naturally expect that knowledgeable technicians that he/she has access to, can install new packages or update previously installed packages. Note that sometimes updates are necessary to fix discovered security flaws. I think this lack of ability to install/update packages, and to fix any issues that crop up which need user to execute sudo commands to do the fix, rules out Micro 5 as a product that can be recommended to rural schools.
End-Obsoleted-by-31st July 2022 Update
However, if Thinvent company is able to provide administrator (sudo) password to Micro 5 products on request of customer then this issue will be resolved.
10 inch Android Tablets close to Rs.10,000 price point
At close to Rs.10,000 price point, attractive 10 inch ARM Quad-core, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage (configuration equivalent to Micro 5) tablets based on Android, with 1 yr warranty are available. These tablets have video cameras and so can be used comfortably for online video conference/classes. Android OS instead of Linux may not be a big issue for these schools.
An interesting variation is additional support for SIM card through which Internet connectivity can be directly obtained. For example, Fusion5 4G Tablet (2GB RAM, 32GB Storage, Wi-Fi + 4G LTE + Voice Calling) (White, 10.1 Inch) 25.65 cm,
https://www.amazon.in/Fusion5-Tablet-Storage-Wi-Fi-Calling/dp/B0977NTKTG/ , 1 yr. Warranty, @ Rs.8,999 as of 16th Dec. 2021 (ARM Cortex-A53 CPU 64-Bit quad core processor).
The performance of the Micro 5 based mini PC I have described earlier vis-a-vis above tablets has to be seen. I am not in a position to do such comparison. I am presuming that both quality and speed wise, the Micro 5 based mini PC described earlier will be similar to above Tablets, as the underlying processor and RAM capability seem similar.
In particular, the performance of above Micro 5 based mini PC for online classes and video conferencing is important in the school context. I am presuming that this performance will be reasonable.
Android TV box
Another possibility is an Android TV box playing a similar role to that of Micro 5, with Android being the underlying OS. The 2 GB RAM/16 GB storage version on amazon.in from brand AUSHA which seems to be a somewhat noted brand, costs around Rs. 2700 though lesser cost items are also available on the Internet. AUSHA® 4K Mini PC with Version 10, 2GB Ram 16 GB ROM,64 Bit Processor,WiFi,
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09KPMLCSV/ , Rs. 2699 with free delivery as of 16th Dec. 2021, 3 month warranty is one such option.
A major issue for the Android TV boxes including the above two or three products is that the companies making the product do not seem to have easily accessible websites giving details of their products and support related information. Another issue is the limited warranty period of 3 months. However, their feature set seems to be impressive. The concern with these devices in the context of rural schools, is that if they break down after 3 months (warranty period), there is no proper company one can approach for repair even on payment of suitable charges. One also wonders how good the support will be during the short (3 month) warranty period.
Another issue is that Android TV apps are different from Android mobile apps. I don't know whether there are suitable Android TV apps for word processing, spreadsheet etc. work. Note that there seems to be a workaround by which Android mobile apps could be installed on Android TV boxes but that could be unsafe or have some other problems.
Low-cost Linux laptops
It would also be appropriate to mention the price of low-cost Linux laptops. Around Rs.19,500 seems to be the price for 11.6 inch screen laptop from Lenovo with 1 year warranty. Details: IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook (11, Intel),
https://www.lenovo.com/in/en/laptops/lenovo/student-chromebooks/IdeaPad-3-CB-11IGL05/p/88IPSC31450 , @ Rs.19452 as of 16th Dec. 2021, Intel® Celeron® N4020 Processor (2 Cores / 2 Threads, 1.10 GHz, 4 MB Cache), Chrome OS (type of Linux OS apparently), Display: 29.46cms (11.6) HD (1366x768) TN 250nits Anti-glare, RAM 4GB, Hard Disk: 64 GB (eMMC 5.1), 1 yr warranty, NOT Touch screen.
So Linux laptops are significantly more expensive than either the Micro 5 based mini Linux PC or Android Tablets described earlier.
Low-cost regular Linux PC box/tower
Instead of Micro 5 box, if we consider low-cost regular Linux PC box from a well known company vendor, with warranty (new and not used product), the price for the box (excluding monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam and UPS) is in the range of Rs.18,000. [Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop (AMD Athlon Silver 3050U 2.3GHz Base Speed/4GB/1TB HDD/DOS/AMD Radeon Graphics/WiFi 5/Bluetooth 5.0), Mineral Grey (90MV008RIN),
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B098WZTKMB/ , (seems to be lowest price Lenovo desktop tower) Rs.17,958 with free delivery as of 16th Dec. 2021, 1 yr warranty. A free Linux distribution like Ubuntu will have to be installed on the computer which comes with DOS.]
There is a big price differential between Micro 5 box and low-cost Lenovo PC box/tower, with, of course, an expected big performance differential too as the Lenovo PC tower can be expected to deliver far superior performance to Micro 5.
More expensive Mini PC boxes
There is a wide range of mini PC boxes available in the market. At the low end, we have ARM processor based boxes, moving on to more expensive Intel Atom processor based boxes, and so on. I have used 2 GB RAM as a minimum cut-off point for inclusion in this post as I feel that 2 GB RAM would be necessary for decent performance of Ubuntu Linux mini PC. The lesser RAM mini PC boxes (e.g. 512 MB or 1 GB) may be good as thin clients but I think they may not offer adequate performance as a stand alone Ubuntu Linux mini PC desktop even for the rural schools context that I have considered here.
Mini PC boxes from famous computer companies like Dell and Lenovo, and from famous motherboard companies like Asus and Gigabyte, are over Rs.25,000 and so not appropriate to cover in this post. I felt it appropriate to cover only those mini PC boxes which come under Rs.15,000 in this post.
Other ARM processor based mini PC boxes below Rs.10,000
G1 offers "Thick Client",
https://g1thinclientpc.com/g1-thick-client/ , ARM A53 Quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage, with Linux pre-installed, specs. which are close to Micro 5, at around Rs.5000 (including tax). I have covered this in more detail later on, as an alternative to Thinvent Micro 5.
Gl also offers "Tiny PC",
https://g1thinclientpc.com/tiny-pc/ , ARM A53 Octa-core (8 cores) processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage, with Linux pre-installed, at around Rs.7000 (including tax).
Intel processor based mini PC boxes below Rs.15,000
Thinvent offers "Neo R Thin Client",
https://www.thinvent.in/catalog/neo-r-thin-client/ , with Intel (Celeron J1xxx?) processor options of dual core or quad core, RAM from 2 GB to 8 GB, storage from 16 GB to 2 TB, with Linux, at prices from Rs.8,300 to Rs.13,800.
G1 also offers "Slim PC",
https://g1thinclientpc.com/g1-slim-pc/ , with Intel J1800 Dual core, 4 GB RAM, 120 GB storage, supporting Linux and Windows (Windows would be for extra money), at price of around Rs.14,200 (incl. tax). Quad-core and 8 GB RAM options are also available at extra cost.
Importance of warranty and support
I am not considering assembled computer options which are significantly cheaper, here, as support for the computer can be a challenge, even if the assembled computer seller claims to provide warranty and support. It would be very hard to recommend such assembled computers with poor warranty/service (as compared to warranty from noted companies), to rural schools as if such computers fail, the students & teachers may be left high and dry, and may have to fend for themselves in attempting to fix the computer problem. In such situations, the teachers and school administrators may get upset with those people who recommended/suggested buying such computers or even get upset with those donors who donated such computers.
In my free service stint in an educational institution I was associated with in the past, I noted that donation of computer equipment that did not come with easy maintenance options, could even become problematic at times for the institution as once it malfunctions, getting rid of it may not be easy (due to it being a donation) and fixing the malfunctioning computer equipment is hard as proper support is not available. Therefore in this document about low-cost computer for teaching basic Internet browsing and usage of some computer packages like Libre Office in rural schools, I am considering only those options where rural schools can get decent warranty and repair options from the vendors of the computer components/devices making up the mini PC. For example, the Micro 5 box not only has 1 year (return to bench) warranty but also provides support after the warranty period is over. So I think one will be able to send a malfunctioning Micro 5 to Thinvent company, even after its warranty period is over, seeking repair possibilities for appropriate repair charges.
Android vs. Linux as OS for such mini PC or tablet for rural schools
I am afraid I lack enough exposure to Android to be able to address this matter. From teaching about Internet browsing and about using Libre Office or equivalent Office product (Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and simple database) perspective, perhaps it does not matter much whether one uses a Linux based mini PC or an Android tablet/mini PC. But I am not sure about it (as I lack requisite level of knowledge about Android).
But I need to mention one interesting aspect about Micro 5 based mini PC which is access to many but not all of the standard command line programs of Ubuntu Linux. Such commands include cat, more, cd, mkdir, pwd, grep, vi and editor. While c/c++ compiler and java compiler seem to be absent, java interpreter command seems to work (at least for simple Helloworld program), shell scripting seems to be working and perl and python also seem to be available. So students can be given initial exposure to some common text based (command line) Linux programs, and even be taught simple script level programming. There are a few standard X-Windows programs which are not shown in desktop menu but are available to run as commands that open up corresponding GUI applications – e.g. xcalc, xclock, xedit, xmag and xmore.
Note that Micro 5 PC has what seems to be a stripped down version of Ubuntu suitable for an embedded Linux device which I think is the category in which Micro 5 box falls in. Exposing students to stripped down Ubuntu Graphical User Interface (GUI), some standard GUI programs available on Micro 5 (mentioned in earlier section), Ubuntu command line (text based) interface and some standard text based programs, would pave the way for students to move on to a full blown Ubuntu or other Linux desktop environment on a regular desktop or laptop Linux PC. I think that is a significant positive feature of the Micro 5 based Linux mini PC as compared to Android tablets or Android mini PCs, in this rural schools context.
I just don’t know enough about Android to know if such text based (command line) common programs are typically available in Android. My Android Samsung smartphone does not seem to have a facility to open a command line terminal at all but perhaps there is some way to have a command line terminal open up in Android too and then have access to standard command line programs of Android.
Ease of partial repair and partial upgrade in this mini PC as compared to Tablet or Laptop
Fixing hardware problems in a tablet or laptop can be challenging for its users (including me). In comparison, this mini PC as a whole would be easier to repair and also upgrade, but not the mini PC box itself. This is partly because one can easily identify the problem device within the plug-and-play devices making up the mini PC by trial-and-error with other devices of same type. Of course, if the problem is with the Micro 5 box (CPU+RAM+SoC/Board+Internal Flash Disk) then that would be difficult to fix for users, and would typically need to be sent to Thinvent support or to a knowledgeable technician. But even if the problem is with the Micro 5 box, the low-cost of Micro 5 box (< Rs.3000), opens up a possibility of having one or more spare Micro 5 boxes meant to be used whenever a Micro 5 box breaks down. Such a possibility could be considered by schools/donors who use/donate many such Micro 5 based Mini PCs.
In contrast, if a problem occurs in a tablet or laptop, most users and most teachers/administrators of rural schools, would not have the know-how to open up a tablet or laptop, identify the component/device within which is not working, replace it with a spare component/device, put it back together and get it working. In rural schools case, they would typically have to send the whole tablet/laptop to the company or expert repair person to fix the problem.
Partial upgrade would be easy in the mini PC. A few examples are given below:
- Upgrading from 15 inch monitor to 19 inch monitor: Just disconnect cables of old monitor, replace old monitor with new monitor and reconnect cables from new monitor to Micro 5 & power source.
- Upgrading from Micro 5 to higher mini PC box e.g. Thinvent Micro 6 or Thinvent Neo R Thin Client, or G1 Mini PC or Vamaa X2000 or even a regular desktop box (CPU+RAM+Motherboard+SMPS+Internal Disk): As above, disconnect cables, replace old box with new box, reconnect cables.
- Upgrading from average quality webcam to high quality webcam: Straightforward like in above cases.
- Storage upgrade through microSD card (or USB storage drive) should be easy if the problem of microSD card (or USB storage drive) not getting mounted on Micro 5 is resolved.
Doing similar partial upgrades (except storage upgrade via microSD or USB which would be similar) in a tablet or laptop would need either a knowledgeable technician or would need the tablet or laptop to be sent to tablet or laptop company support technicians or would not be possible (e.g. upgrade of display from 15 inch to 19 inch). I think this partial upgrade ease of Micro 5 based mini PC as compared to an equivalent price tablet is an important feature/aspect in the context of rural schools.
Upgrade or replacement of RAM or processor within mini PC box would be a complex task, I presume, for which typically the mini PC box would have to be sent to the company.
G1 Thick Client alternative to Micro 5 costing around Rs.5,000
Note: I have only used Thinvent company's "Micro 5". But as G1 company's "Thick Client" is very similar in specifications to Micro 5, I have presumed that it will behave in a similar manner, with some differences.
G1 Thick Client desc.: G1 Thick Client, Ubuntu Mate, Quad ARM A53 | 1.5 Ghz | 32 Bit (I wonder whether 32 bit is a mistake as A53 seems to be a 64 bit processor), 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, Supported max resolution: 1280*768, HDMI, 4 USB ports, 100 Mbps Ethernet (LAN) port (RJ 45), Wireless 2.4 Ghz, Audio Out
While I do not have a G1 Thick Client product, based on its product web pages given earlier, I think that it will have a somewhat similar look-and-feel and performance as that of Micro 5. G1 price as per company website is: Rs.4200 +18% GST which comes to Rs.4956. When I had spoken to a G1 company sales executive, I was told that if one buys from the company, there is a one year warranty. I don't know what the delivery charges will be, but I guess it will be around Rs.150 or so to Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh) and close-by areas, taking the total price of G1 Thick Client to around Rs.5100 which is Rs.2250 more than the Rs.2850 price of Micro 5. If one uses G1 Thick Client instead of Micro 5 in the Linux mini PC configuration given above, the total price becomes Rs.9972+Rs.2250=Rs.12,222 which I am rounding off to "around" Rs.12,300.
I don't know if G1 Thick Client's Ubuntu desktop 'user' (or equivalent username) password would be disclosed to users by default, which would typically be an administrative user who can execute sudo commands on providing password. Even if it is not disclosed by default, I wonder whether they will share it with customers on request.
Conclusion
Obsoleted-by-31st-July-2022 update
Lack of administrator (sudo) access to Micro 5 mini PC due to which packages cannot be installed or manually updated, and administrator level issues that may crop up cannot be resolved, makes Micro 5 unsuitable to recommend to rural schools for use as the basis for a Mini PC.
End-Obsoleted-by-31st-July-2022 update
It may still be good to act as a Thin Client – I am not commenting on that aspect of it. Also see Note 1 covering option available to tech. savvy person to reinstall Ubuntu Mate desktop on Thinvent Micro 5 but which I do not think is appropriate to consider in rural schools context.
But if Thinvent company is able to provide administrator (sudo) password on request then [31st July 2022 update: Now the password is known; please see above mentioned post] I think the Micro 5 mini PC with 15 inch monitor and mini UPS costing around Rs.10,000 is a superior solution to similarly priced 10 inch Tablet, for purposes of a low-cost (around Rs.10,000) stand alone mini PC (personal computer) to be used to teach usage of basic Internet websites, Office software (word processor, spreadsheet etc.), basic drawing software and multimedia players (VLC), and also to use it for online classes even if video quality is not great, for poor rural school students in schools that are not equipped with regular computers like desktop PCs and/or laptops or Thin client-server setup (or computer tablets and smart phones). Note that a laptop is significantly more expensive than Rs.10,000 and Android TV boxes do not seem to have good company warranty and support, and so the comparison is primarily between standalone mini PC and Tablet.
If G1 company discloses the Ubuntu desktop user (with administrator rights) password for its "Thick Client", then G1 Thick Client can be used instead of Thinvent Micro 5 for the mini PC. But its price will go up to around Rs.12,300.
Notes
1. If Thinvent company does not disclose Ubuntu desktop 'user' password (administrator password needed for sudo commands)
[31st July 2022 update: Now the password is known; please see updated info. post mentioned multiple times above in this post], a tech. savvy person has the option to reload Ubuntu desktop on the Thinvent Micro 5 box (see Tanix TX3 mini ubuntu mate,
https://forum.armbian.com/topic/7560-tanix-tx3-mini-ubuntu-mate/ ), where the desktop user password will have to be specified during installation process, and so known to installer. But one cannot expect rural schools to have such tech. savvy persons available to do such work. Further, this might risk breaking the warranty that Thinvent company provides for 1 year after purchase of Micro 5 product.
2. The monitor does not need safe shutdown procedure and so UPS is not needed for it. But even then the monitor will need good quality power and so a voltage stabilizer may be needed. Micro 5 box will have to be shutdown properly on power cut and so UPS that supplies power to it for at least a few minutes during which time shutdown can be done, is necessary. However if the monitor is not on, how does the user get the Micro 5 to shutdown! On my assembled PC Windows desktop I have set up the power button on the computer cabinet to do a sleep. Therefore for my PC Windows desktop, if I want, I can safely get it to sleep even without the monitor being on. Micro 5 does not have any such power button but perhaps one can set up a special keyboard shortcut (e.g. Ctrl+Alt+Del) to initiate a shutdown. Note that Micro 5 desktop menu does not show sleep/hibernate command, as far as I can recall, but perhaps there is a command line mechanism to do so which perhaps can be initiated through a special keyboard shortcut. Micro 5 sometimes restarts after shutdown and I could not figure out a way to make out from the Micro 5 box alone whether the shutdown has completed and so power can be switched off, before it does any automatic restart.
The G1 Thick Client has a small one line display on it which may help us figure out when it has shutdown.
For providing UPS power to only Micro 5 box, a 5V, 2A UPS seems to be what Micro 5 box needs. But such a mini UPS does not seem to be easily available in Indian online stores. Advice will have to be taken from Thinvent company on this. Perhaps a 9V, 2A UPS with a 9V, 2A to 5V, 2A step down adapter, if available, may be a good solution. An example of such a UPS is: PowerFills Pro - 12V,2A and 9V,2A Dual Voltage UPS for WiFi Router, Broadband Modem, CCTV, Rs.1299, 1 yr warranty,
https://www.amazon.in/PowerFills-Pro-Voltage-Router-Broadband/dp/B08QNGYVRY/ .
The study is really interesting and exhaustive. I am greatly impressed by the technical survey done by Ravi S Iyer.
ReplyDeleteReally Ex********tensive. I don't know if there is an English word to mention this extent of work.
He has the love for providing computer literacy to rural school children. This is a very genuine desire.
May his great ambitions be fulfilled.
Best of luck
Thank you so much for your kind comment, sir.
DeleteTrying to help in the great task of providing computer literacy to poor rural school children was certainly the key motivation for this post and also part-motivation for an earlier post or two related to Micro 5.
However, this post is only providing some information and exploring some possibilities. It is up to others who find these possibilities interesting to actually try it out in rural schools. I could provide some remote social media based support to them but I personally am not in a position, as of now, to do the actual work of trying it out in rural schools.
Thanks again for your kinds words and encouragement, sir.
I meant .. kind words .. (not kinds words).
DeleteProf. V. Jayaprakash made the first comment in this comment thread (as Unknown). He was OK with me mentioning it here.
Delete