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Wearable Construction

From: Brian Rankin <>
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 11:33:59 -0800 (PST)

Hello,

I am working with a K-12 school in Ghana Africa to help construct and
expand a computer laboratory. Last summer we built the lab and I installed 
13 donated computers (12 Win95, 1 Redhat server).  The lab is operational
and self-sufficient, the Redhat box is a Samba/PPP/File/Squid/email server
and is working out extremely well.  

A major issue was getting the equipment there: the bulky/pricy shipment,
the extensive attention such a shipment causes with the (extremely
corrupt) port authorities.  So: I've been considering alternatives to
desktop units and tube displays, the wearable technology seems to be a
valid consideration.

I'd be interested in constructing units that can handle Win95 on a
network. Each unit would use an external hard drive.  In fact, I can
imagine one standard desktop case that contains 6 complete units sharing
one power supply; it would sit on a table with 6 monitors & keyboards. 

Of course, pricing is a major issue, I don't have lots of money to
expend.  I'm sure this isn't a new idea, has anyone ever done anything
like this?  What components (motherboards in particular) are inexpensive
yet reliable?  I know LCD monitors are expensive, are there better
alternatives? The monitors should handle graphics (Windows/office apps,
web pages).

Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Brian Rankin

PS: this school is not affiliated with any NPO, so it is difficult to
obtain funding beyond personal contributions.  But: if I can get more 
equipment to the school the children will benefit enormously in terms of
learning basic computer/office skills and understanding web/email usage. 
The school is in an economically-depressed region, so the impact of this
computer lab is absolutely incredible. Right now there are 12 workstations
yet 1500 children.

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