There is a very good chance I am heading to a small village in Kenya next year May'ish. Part of what I will be doing for the 3 weeks I would be there is setting up a sound system and presentation system (computer + projector). Now nothing is set in stone, but I like to get ideas on what some good solutions are before the meeting. Now I am a Mac guy, prefer it to any currently released version of windows, but I wonder if going for a Mac in Kenya would be a good idea. First I was thinking of a mac mini just because of the size needed to ship it would be very small, but the issue of any upgrades or anything that needs to be done is going to be difficult for its form factor. I am assuming there will not be a lot, if any mac support out there if there is a hardware issue, which is problem number 2. So, my question, if you were to set up a system for powerpoint and video presentations to a projector, what would you go with?
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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
The question I'd be asking is 'what is the support situation in the area?'. You allude to this yourself in the OP. If you are going to set this up and then essentially walk away, what are users going to do if (when!!) a problem arises? My (your) being a Mac guy isn't going to be well remembered if the nearest local provider is PC based.
Next question is 'what are the bulk of the users using?'. A lot (understatement) of PC based users don't react well to being made to use a Mac.
The link that Margaret provided to Apple Kenya is just a bunch of switcher info.... Doesn't give me much confidence that there is a lot of Mac action in that part of the world.
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"not all those who wander are lost….." j.r.r. tolkien
The question I'd be asking is 'what is the support situation in the area?'. If you are going to set this up and then essentially walk away, what are users going to do if a problem arises?
I will be setting it all up, which really will only take a day with setting up the computer and projector. I will be training them on the computer, as well as a few other older pc's, most likely running 98 or XP. There is virtually no support, they would need to go to Nairobi, which is hours away. Basically I want something as stable as can be, but if a problem does arise, I want them to at least be able to get it fixed. I am pretty confident in the stability of the mac, I was more concerned hardware wise if something were to act up, like a hard drive. As far as I know, the mini does not open up super easy to swap drives.
Thanks Winwintoo, looks like there are a few dealers in Nairobi.
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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
Several years ago, when our NGO was still delivering material aid to Cuba, we always had the challenge of what to do with donated Apple computers. Macs are still very, very rare on the island. And if you needed OS install discs... it could be months before a friend from abroad brings you the goods. So we usually re-donated the Macs to local groups in need.
As for the Kenya situation... somewhat different in that there is more of an Apple presence. I would think less about the Mac, per se, and more about the "extras". A second or even third power cord, projector adapter, extra OS disks, etc. Things that might break / die and be difficult to replace quickly. And... how about security? Does it need to be tied down / locked up?
Several years ago, when our NGO was still delivering material aid to Cuba, we always had the challenge of what to do with donated Apple computers. Macs are still very, very rare on the island. And if you needed OS install discs... it could be months before a friend from abroad brings you the goods. So we usually re-donated the Macs to local groups in need.
As for the Kenya situation... somewhat different in that there is more of an Apple presence. I would think less about the Mac, per se, and more about the "extras". A second or even third power cord, projector adapter, extra OS disks, etc. Things that might break / die and be difficult to replace quickly. And... how about security? Does it need to be tied down / locked up?
That was my initial thought, but according to Apple Kenya there are 9 authorized sellers in Nairobi, which I found somewhat surprising. I would be looking at a new Mac mini, so the discs would be with the computer. I would probably just use an adapter for power converting, as I think the computers are much more expensive in Kenya then they are here.
I am not sure what there internet connection is like at the moment, I think they have dial up in the medical building, so the computer would unfortunately not have internet, if it did I would just set it up with my mobile me account and screen share if any issues came up.
**side note question**
Looking for a projector, is there a standard I should be looking for when it comes to bulbs or anything else that is replaceable? I don't want to get a projector only to find out they use some non standard part thats hard to find.
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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
Looking for a projector, is there a standard I should be looking for when it comes to bulbs or anything else that is replaceable? I don't want to get a projector only to find out they use some non standard part thats hard to find.
Each projector manufacturer uses their own bulb configuration. You would do well to check out some of the better know manufacturers for business level projectors and see who has a presence in the area as well.
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“Maybe some day somebody will call me "Sir" without adding "You're making a scene"!!”
-Homer Simpson
Bulbs can be horrendously expensive, like $300 each or more. Their lifespan is shortened by overheating -- which is going to happen if used in a hot climate in non-air conditioned environments (there isn't as much delta between the air around the bulb and the ambient air) Check for the cost and estimated reliability of the bulbs, and the operating temperature range before deciding on a brand.
Thanks for all the suggestions. There really is no alternative to a projector out there that would be cheaper I am assuming.... Maybe the village needs a nice large Plasma screen, talk about looking out of place. I am going to contact some manufacturers and see what they have to say, maybe see if they would be willing to throw in a spare bulb or to, cant hurt to ask.
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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Bishop Desmond Tutu
Who is going to use the computer? Is it going to be for a small group of people or is the whole town going to use it. Is it going to be in a good building or is it in a "shack". No offence, but sometimes the buildings are not good and water/sand proof. You may want to look at something designed to be in the elements if it is not in a protected place, or have multiple users with little experience on a computer. Hate to see this nice computer you set up get damaged in a sand storm or when someone spills water on it. This may not be possible for you and your budget though.
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