Piqo One: French and ecological mini computer

Piqo One: French and ecological mini computer

Image 1: Piqo One: mini French and ecological computer

Piqo built a mini central unit for less than 120 euros. Besides its price, it is also distinguished by low power consumption. Émilien Court, founder of Piqo, recalls the objective of his non-profit organization: “to make the products as small as possible, generating less waste. So they designed Piqo one, a computer smaller than a CD case. Indeed, it measures only 9 cm by 7 and consumes less than 10 watts while a conventional CPU consumes 300. Many geeks are already working on a nanocomputer, Piqo also aims to popularize this type of product.

Inexpensive and ecological models

The Piqo One uses the Raspberry Pi motherboard and the user can connect their peripherals and removable disks to the box thanks to the USB and HDMI ports. In terms of software, it works with free software as well as the Xubuntu operating system. Configured in this way, the Piqo One is as efficient as a tablet.

The Piqo One is available in three versions of 8 – 32 and 64 GB. The first costs 79.90 euros while the second is offered at a price of 99.90 euros. As for the third, it is out of stock. Since launching in November 2015, the company has sold 160 nanocomputers.

A second model, the Piqo Freemate, is already available. Despite its high performance, its measurements remain minimal, 11 cm by 11 and its energy consumption stays below 30 W. By cons, it will be sold at a price between 199 and 249 euros.

Piqo, a social objective

Émilien Court also hopes to contribute to the reduction in the unemployment rate in Nevers, an old industrial town. Even if the motherboard is imported from England and the case is ordered in China, assembly and screen printing are finalized in Nevers. Soon, the association will transform into a cooperative society.

Image 2: Piqo One: mini French and ecological computer