Access to computers is set to increase with the introduction of the multi-monitor computer products by LG Electronics.
The launch of the product will be a good shot in the arm in the government's quest for entrenchment of computer education in Kenyan schools.
The U-Series is based on the principle that at any one time, no one person can utilise the full capacity of one computer, therefore, multiple users can tap into the same computer as long as they have a separate monitor and keyboard.
Current statistics indicate that access to computer based learning in Kenya is still a major challenge with a current ratio of 1 computer for 150 students against 1:15 ratio in developed countries

LG Electronics Head of Marketing & Corporate Communication for East and Central Africa Mr. George Mudhune said, "Depending on the capacity of the host PC, the U-Series Network Monitors system can support up to 23 monitors connected via USB. We therefore see users making huge savings of up to 60 per cent on hardware, 80 per cent on power and 90 per cent on maintenance costs.

The U-Series is the world's first built-in multi-computing desktop monitor system featuring Windows MultiPoint Server 2011.

By connecting the LG U-Series Network Monitor system to a single host PC, the host's processing power is virtualized on each monitor, creating an efficient networking solution with less hardware and lower maintenance costs.

"This technology is suitable for schools that want to establish computer laboratories to teach students computing and introduction to the internet. Small and medium scale (SME's) businesses such as cybercafés can also benefit as multiple users can share one PC", said Mr. Mudhune

Coming at a time when the government and most organizations are adopting computer based operations, the introduction will be a reprieve especially to the education sector that is currently in the process of enhancing e-learning. Other government agencies will also find the technology convenient as multiple work stations can be set-up on a single PC.

Mr. Mudhune added "we are aware that many basic applications like internet surfing or word processing don't require the full power of a single, dedicated PC. We are convinced that this technology will ease access to computer facilities especially in our learning institutions".

The LG U-Series monitors also come with the advanced ICOM and Blackboard classroom management softwares for schools which can be used in teaching programmes such as setting and marking exams making virtual control of the classroom a reality.

LG is availing the product in the regional market through their IT distributor Mustek East Africa and channel partners countrywide.

In this arrangement, the host PC is easily connected to the LG U-Series monitors via USB cables, which combined with software, allows for redistributed computing capabilities across all connected monitors. The individual U Series monitors don't require additional software installation and are operational out of the box. LG's linking technology allows multiple monitor connections through USB cables resulting in simple and clean installations.

Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 is expected to help educational institutions provide more workstations to students and teachers with individualized Windows experiences at a lower total cost of ownership. In addition, the U-Series solution is designed to be simple enough for someone with very little technical skills to set-up and manage a multiple monitor environment.

The U-Series comes with 19-inch class LED widescreen monitors (18.5 inches measured diagonally), which provide a bright, clear computing experience for productivity and multimedia applications. The monitors have earned an IEEE 1680 Gold rating, the most stringent and prestigious of three levels of compliance for environmental requirements for consumer electronics. For multilingual needs, each monitor is capable of independent optimization in different languages.