Detailed Analysis of the TM1 Laptop Specifications

The ‘One Teacher, One Laptop’ (1T1L) initiative was launched on 3rd September, 2021. The initiative is directed at providing laptops to Teachers to aid in the efficient delivery of teaching and learning. The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, President of National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) Mr. Angel Carbonu and other dignified guests.

Also Read: NAGRAT Reveals the Actual Cost of TM1 Laptop

The Teachers Mate 1 (TM1) Laptops was manufactured by KA Technologies; an indigenous private limited liability company. The recent issues which has emerged has been over the cost of the laptop and the specifications. Most teachers have been skeptical over the brand of the laptop as well as the specifications and deem it too expensive for such specifications.

Here is the detailed analysis of the TM1 Laptop procured by Ghana government through the Ghana Education Service and the three Teacher Unions (GNAT, NAGRAT and CCT).

Specifications of TM1 Laptop

PROCESSOR

TM1: Intel Celeron N4020

The TM1 laptop comes with the Celeron N4020 processor. Currently, Intel®, one of the leading producers of computer and laptop processors has manufactured over 47 different levels of processors with the highest fast and efficient processor currently being the Intel Celeron Core i9-10980HK. This processor, Intel Celeron N4020 with a clock speed of 1.1 – 2.8Ghz, however, ranks second to last (i.e. last but one).Due to its outmoded use, it is relatively cheap on the market for production of computer devices. It is a decent solution for many laptops who don’t regularly do heavy tasks and involve in multitasking programs on the computer. It can however fairly manage web browsing, work on Office documents and media usage activities. Hence, if you are the light laptop usage type, this will be good enough for you. However, if you want to use other important programs on your laptop, this processor is a no no!

RAM (Random Access Memory)

TM1: 4GB

The TM1 comes with a 4GB DDR 2 RAM. Random Access Memory is simply where the computer applications run and store information during active processing. Confusing? Let’s say you are chatting a friend on WhatsApp on your phone and you quickly decide to check a page on Facebook. Moving to Facebook minimizes your WhatsApp chat. You realize that you can quickly switch through the apps on your phone quickly and easily without losing your current chat. All these functions are catered by the RAM. Get it now? So, for a Laptop or device to work efficiently, the processor has to be complimented with enough RAM. So, the higher your RAM, the more efficient your device. Hence, if you have a very low processor, you need about 8GB to compliment the computer. Thus, the TM1 Laptop has a low processor hence needs to be complimented by a high RAM.

STORAGE

TM1: 256GB SSD

Computer storage has seen a lot of evolution in the technological world. The Hard Disc Drive (HDD) is gradually phasing out and being replaced by a more efficient disc drive; Solid State Drives (SSD). This is not to say that HDD is irrelevant. They all serve the same purpose, that is to store and retrieve data. The only advantage SSDs have over HDDs is the that; SSDs are extremely fast! Yes, SSDs have been made to retrieve and process data faster than HDDs. This has made SSDs expensive on the market. If you have a computer, have you realized how much time it takes for your PC to boot? Well, SSDs have been designed to increase that and boot your computer within seconds. Hence, with the low processor and average RAM of the TM1 Laptop, a 256 SSD is a fair deal to compliment it.

CAMERA

TM1: 0.3M

I believe the TM1 Laptop was not actually manufactured to cater for picture taking. The 0.3MP is a low resolution. This camera quality was the topic of the day in the late 90’s. Most of current mobile phones can boast of 56MP which takes High quality images. The 0.3MP camera specification of the TM1 Laptop is a mere feature to enable you access face-to-face software like Zoom and Skype.

BATTERY

TM1: 7.4V 5000mAh

5000mAh is a measure of capacity of a battery. This specification is a tricky one because a 5000mAh doesn’t guarantee a long-lasting battery. A long-lasting battery much depends on the activities of the user. Factors such as screen time, light intensity, long device usage, type of activity being done (eg. Playing game, browsing), etc. Smartphone users will acknowledge the fact that batteries discharge faster when used for browsing and gaming. However, a 5000mAh will take a longer time to run low compare to a 2600mAh battery. Thus, light computer users can be content with the TM1 5000mAh capacity provided they lower the screen brightness and reduce background applications. However, the same cannot be said for multitasking computer users.

SCREEN SIZE

TM1: 14inches

A standard or mid-sized laptop typically has a screen size ranging from 14 to 16 inches. However, some computers tend to measure the entire screen rather than actual display area. Most Laptops have a range of 1 – 1.5 inches difference in the actual screen size. For instance, a Laptop product with a 16inch advertisement size can actually be a 15inch actual screen size. Does the same apply to the TM1 Laptop?

Summary

According to your preference and computer usage, do you see the TM1 as sub-standard Laptop or an ideal Laptop?

Follow us for more technology info