Samsung U70 USB Monitor with Ubuntu Support. Uses Just 4.5 Watts
I am extremely excited about this even though my sample doesn't arrive for another two weeks (full review and action shots to follow). As I've mentioned before, 12V monitors are a real thorn for us. We usually end up shipping dozens of inexpensive Hannspree 17" (1440x900) AC monitors and packaging them up with inverters, which though inexpensive are rather wasteful of the (very expensive) solar power.
Samsung has released what's basically a USB-powered photo frame (with marketing focused on this being a peripheral display), but it's perfect for us because it
a) uses just 4.5 Watts
b) reduces the need for another plug (DC or otherwise)
c) is an acceptable 800x480 resolution (the same as the Nokia N810). Not great for two students sharing a screen but fine for single use.
Thus any of our 12V PCs (the F5, P1, B2, and U5) could power this monitor and so you'd need just one solar panel, one battery, and one (or a few) 12V PCs. Nice and simple.
And though Samsung only offers Windows drivers, it's already been used with Linux in this fantastic example: an Asus WLAN router running OpenWRT and using a U70 since there's obviously no VGA port.
January 20th, 2011 - 17:08
Sorry, I didt find another way, to let you know and it may be interesant for you: http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/01/18/this-15-6-inch-lcd-display-is-powered-by-usb-alone/ – this monitor is 15,6″ wide LCD connected powered via USB (consumption: 5W). USB is also used to deliver signal.
June 19th, 2011 - 03:23
I have tried to get this monitor working with Ubuntu 10.10. Get the green screen, then the console but cannot get it set up for graphics. How did you set this one up?