Plug computing

Libraries are full of expensive desktop computers serving basic needs. It seems to me that we often ask thoroughbreds to do jobs that donkeys could do just as well, more cheaply. Libraries need to have computers available so that people can run in, find a call number or retrieve an article quickly, and go. Networked desktop computers aren't designed to fill that bill, so people have to wait for them to wake up, get connected to the network, start up the necessary software and so on and so on. If they wait long enough for all that, people then type in something quick, and away they go. Certainly, some people will spend long periods of time on computers, but what about those that just have a quick need? The wait becomes a barrier.

Marvell's Plug Computing is an intriguing alternative for at least some desktop machines. This particular computer looks like a "wall wart" or plug in for cell phones and such. Selling for roughly US$100, this device comprises a 1.2GHz CPU processor, 512Mbytes of FLASH, 512Mbytes of DRAM and a 2.0 USB port. It uses 5 watts, rather than the usual 25 - 100 watts of a full size computer, too. And, it can connect to networks via Ethernet. Finally, it uses a linux distribution so it's customizable, and there's no license fee to worry about.

So, what's the big deal? Well, for a couple hundred dollars, libraries could set up a station dedicated to catalogue searches and renewals, or have a few set up for email checking, or use one to manage a print network, or have one always connected to a virtual reference service, or .... Really, the possibilities are myriad.