Cape Town firm launches low power Android computer with solar capability

The computer, dubbed IMPI Mk1, means warrior in Zulu – representing the durable nature the designers had in mind when developing the product.

The computer ships with a dual core processor, 2GB of RAM, a dual boot system featuringAndroid 4.4 KitKat and Ubuntu, and a six-year warranty.

“We wanted to build a computer that is eco-friendly, fast, resistant, can have a long term support and is easy to use,” chief technology officer (CTO) at Capsule Technologies Franck Martinaux told HumanIPO.

He said the computer deals with two main issues in ICT in Africa – power and availability of network.

“With a max power requirement of 20 watts, IMPI Mk1 can be powered by solar panel or if plugged into a normal power outlet seriously reducing the need for electricity,” Martinaux said.

Capsule Technologies are in the process of developing MESH networking for the IMPI computer, allowing users to create a community network between devices.

“Think about it for a second and imagine the impact that a computer powered by solar energy and having its own autonomous community network could have. In term of concrete day-to-day application, it is for instance an opened door to VoIP on a 100 per cent community network without any internet service provider or mobile subscription and without cost of infrastructure,” Martinaux said.

IMPI provides a bridge between the change from old to new technologies, offering USB as well as older ports, allowing for the connection of recycled keyboards, mice and printers.