Claire Holman Thompson brings up a good point:
 
all of us contemplating these types of interactive stations of various kinds
should remember and plan that these machines are not always designed for
maximum durability, and may have to be replaced sooner rather than later,
depending upon the amount of use they get.
 
******
 
One solution is to have a central computer located in a nice, computer-
friendly environment, and network it to a series of outdoor monitors.
Museum visitors would "interact" with the content via a touch screen or
trackball mouse attached to the monitor. The network could be wireless,
so you would not have to run cable from the central computer to the monitor.
You would still have power to contend with, though. I have not seen
a "solar-powered" computer or monitor, although they might exist. A
battery pack might be a better/cheaper solution.
 
The benefit of a networked approach is that it will cut down on the wear-
and-tear on your technology. Also, it will be easier to keep track of and
update the information. (OK- Change monitor A to update the map of that area).
 
Also, you probably want to house your outside equipment in a moveable
kiosk so you can "roll them in" every night, to prevent damage from
weather and vandals.
 
--Susan Jacobson
New York University
Interactive Telecommunications Program
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