Samsung has unveiled a netbook powered by sunlight. Solar power is being used in providing households with electricity through solar panels. The concept is nothing new but a consumer electronics manufacturer putting it into their products is a fresh idea. I think Samsung is trying to capitalise on “being green” and trying to put that concept into their consumers minds.
Just two hours of sunlight can provide up to an hour of power while still being able to see exactly what you’re doing – thanks to Samsung’s SuperBright anti-reflective display. Combined with an overall battery life of up to 14.5 hours and a powerful Intel Atom processor, the Samsung NC215S offers you almost limitless mobility.
“Samsung is committed to ecologically-sound product innovation; we are very proud to be bringing the world’s first solar powered 10” Netbook to the market,” said Philip Henning, Notebook PC Product Owner at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
“The NC215S demonstrates Samsung’s continued innovation, delivering superior performance, mobility and satisfaction to our customers.”
The result is environmental and financial efficiency – two hours of solar charging provides up to one hour’s usage with zero cost or carbon emissions. Designed for care-free portability, the NC215S PowerPlus battery lasts for up to 14.5 hours on a single full charge, meaning that you can get more done on the move.
The netbook market is under pressure at the moment. As expected, Tablets are eating into their sales numbers. Ideas like solar power can be seen as an attempt to create some buzz for the category. Whether it is sustainable long term for more product lines is another story but I commend Samsung for taking the initiative and creating the NC215S. There is certainly potential but one has to wonder if other manufacturers are considering doing something similar. The other question is what happens when there is no sunlight?
