Although we're mindful of the variability introduced by having our workload test performed by a human rather than an automated script, three performance-related points emerge from this chart. First, the 433MHz OLPC XO is well behind the two 900MHz notebooks (the ASUS Eee and the Intel Classmate). Much of the OLPC's extra time in the workload test was down to the YouTube video playback segment: the installed Gnash player wouldn't play YouTube video at all, but even when this was replaced by Adobe's flash player, playback was slow and jerky.
Second, the even lower-spec 200MHz Aleutia E1, which runs Puppy Linux from a 1GB CompactFlash card, is seriously underpowered. It took over an hour to complete a test that took 18 minutes at best (on the Intel Classmate). Applications are particuarly slow to load on the E1, and video playback is again slow and jerky.
Finally, when it comes to the Inveno Computing Station, it was noticeably quicker to complete the test under Windows XP than Linux (24.6 minutes compared to 31.1 minutes). This was largely due to faster application load times under Windows XP.
We examine a number of low-power desktops, thin clients and notebooks to find out which platforms are most suitable for deployment in developing countries... more
The Aleutia E1 is a creditable effort at creating a compact, low-power desktop computer. However, the current hardware platform seems a little underpowered for anything other than the most basic tasks... more
The Inveneo Computing Station delivers reasonably good performance for a low-power PC. It's small, but an untidy assembly means it could be more convenient to handle... more
NComputing's L230 thin client is an option if you need to add a group of low-impact users to an existing Ethernet LAN. However, you'll need to ensure that the host PC is adequately specified to deliver acceptable performance to the terminals attached to it... more
NComputing's X300 provides a cost-effective way to hang up to six terminals off a single desktop PC using low-power, secure, easy to administer and quiet access terminals. It's not for power users, but is well suited to schools, business workgroups, libraries, internet cafés and suchlike... more
The Asus Eee PC 701 is a great notebook. It's extremely affordable, attractively designed and highly portable. If you're looking for an ultraportable travelling companion or a cheap second computer, there are few better options... more
Aimed at students in developing countries, the Intel Classmate PC is an intriguing attempt at a low-cost notebook. We love the rugged design, but the small 2GB solid-state hard drive doesn't leave a lot of room for growth... more
A work in progress rather than a finished product, the XO has much to recommend it. However, there are substantive issues to address if it's to live up to its creators' lofty ideals in practice... more
The MacBook Air is not quite an ultraportable, but it is exceptionally thin. Retaining the same 13.3in. display as the current MacBook line, it tapers from 1.94cm thick to just 0.4cm. Apple calls it the 'world's thinnest notebook'.
The Time Capsule's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data-backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typically pleasing design
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