The mobile wireless computer lab has become a foundation for technology integration; for building a powerful and sustainable computer-based learning environment replete with laptops and innovative software applications. Key attributes of mobile labs – low energy consumption by laptops, flexibility of use in a wireless environment requiring little to no infrastructure, and long-term cost-effectiveness – have led several manufacturers to develop laptop carts of varying costs and capabilities. As a result, there are numerous mobile computer labs on the market and no two are built alike.

Deciding which foundation to implement – which mobile computer lab solution to deploy – raises endless questions: Will it help produce the energy-efficient results we are looking for? What is its total cost of ownership? Will it address the physical and electrical infrastructure issues we face? Will it last?

In more than a decade of providing schools worldwide with mobile wireless computer labs and extended power solutions, EarthWalk Communications, Inc. has learned that creating a sustainable, technology-based learning environment means more than simply storing laptops in a cart. EarthWalk mobile wireless labs provide an affordable, flexible and energy-efficient solution that can operate successfully no matter the location or condition of the learning environment.

Unique features of EarthWalk mobile wireless technology solutions include patented energy-efficient power management and battery charging capabilities that enable all day, uninterrupted laptop use. EarthWalk’s portable, fully integrated systems operate at 85% electrical efficiency from one power outlet, solar panel or portable generator and require no additional infrastructure; ultimately enabling schools and organizations to deliver sustainable, versatile, and cost-effective e-Learning initiatives.

Innovations in Power Management

No matter the manufacturer, most laptops on the market draw at least 1-2 AMPS during the charging process and overloading can occur very easily. Not only can this prove costly, it can also pose a safety hazard for a schools' electrical system, by overloading circuits and potentially causing older wiring to catch fire.

In consideration of the hazards associated with charging a large number of laptops, EarthWalk has designed its mobile labs with its patented, non-hazardous “smart” charging technology (Power-Pulse Architecture or PPA) to ensure that the proper amount of power is equally distributed to each laptop without overloading the circuit or overcharging the laptops. PPA is a power supply and distribution system that allows all of the laptops and peripherals in the EarthWalk mobile wireless labs to operate at 85% power efficiency. This high-efficiency laptop charging feature not only eliminates the need for extensive wiring and infrastructure, but it also creates a safer computer learning environment.

EarthWalk’s “one-plug power management” technology brings to bear several advantages not readily available in other laptop carts:

• Power-Pulseproprietary recharging technology allows up to 32 wireless laptop computers and up to 32 additional batteries to be charged from a single standard electrical outlet simultaneously (AC adapters drawing considerable power from multiple electrical outlets are not required).
• Additional peripherals such as a printer and presentation monitor can also be utilized safely because of the proprietary recharging technology built into the mobile labs providing adequate load balancing to allow these items to operate simultaneously on the same 20 AMP Circuit.
• Simply roll the lab into any room with just one power outlet and you have a complete computer-learning environment.
• There is no need for extensive wiring or infrastructure; PPA eliminates the hazards of extensive wiring and potential for overloading circuits.

Innovations in Battery Life

Among the several factors for consideration when choosing a mobile laptop lab, such as performance and overall cost, the issue of battery life is becoming increasingly critical especially in the context of energy efficiency. Laptop batteries not only directly impact the flow of teaching and learning with technology, but they also affect the environmental soundness of a computer learning setting. Commonly, teachers note that after just a few months of use, their laptop batteries do not last the length of a class period and create obstacles for learning and testing with technology. In addition, battery safety is also of concern to teachers seeking to use laptops throughout the duration of each school day.

The lithium-ion batteries traditionally used in laptop computers operate for a limited time before requiring recharging, and with each subsequent recharge the operational time is reduced. Depending on the amount of use, these laptop batteries can require replacement as early as six months and can strain the budget requirements of any user – in particular school districts where extensive numbers of laptops may be deployed. Reliance on AC adapters is also costly, hazardous and energy-inefficient.

Drawing on the latest advancements in battery technology, some of which are used in the hybrid automotive industry, EarthWalk developed its SideKick Battery Pack – a universal battery solution designed to provide all day operational power to a large group of laptop computer users. When this battery solution is charged through the exclusive power management system of EarthWalk’s mobile wireless computer labs, students and teachers are able to continuously use their laptops throughout each day, without interruption.

SideKick batteries are designed to power a laptop without the use of electricity for a full school day, charging at night when less power is being consumed by a school or community. In developing this battery solution, EarthWalk incorporated the same eco-friendly, energy efficient technology that is a trademark of its mobile wireless labs. SideKick’s advanced battery chemistry utilizes nickel-metal-hydride that allows it to provide both longer laptop operational time and longer battery life span. This 120-watt external power source can drive most any brand of laptop for up to 3 to 4 times longer than its original battery. The SideKick’s usable life span is also more than twice that of the traditional lithium-ion batteries used in laptop computing.

Making a Wireless Mobile e-Learning Environment an Eco-Friendly One

Billions of dollars each year are spent on electricity to power IT equipment and the Internet, resulting in broad efforts by manufacturers to integrate and educate consumers on power-saving tools that improve performance and reduce costs. Yet, despite the availability of these tools, consumers do not always utilize them and they are apt to focus more on attaining low-cost solutions that may not necessarily be the most environmentally conscious or safe.

In light of this, EarthWalk has designed mobile wireless labs with integrated, non-hazardous electrical and battery power technologies that allow for all day, uninterrupted laptop use.
No other manufacturer can provide an all day power solution that is not only long-lasting and cost-effective, but also environmentally safe. EarthWalk is appealing to users of all types of mobile labs as well by creating a system that is compatible with any make or model laptop. Other external batteries on the market incorporate the lithium-ion chemistry, require an AC adapter for recharging purposes, have a short 3-5 hour charge cycle, are susceptible to fire, and are not equipped for recharging in a multi-charging system– which results in greater value and efficiency in the classroom.