A team of Indian researchers have developed what’s essentially the cheapest “laptop” in the world which would cost just $35 (approx Rs. 1600). Now it is tough to tell if it exactly qualifies as a laptop or not, but this touch screen computing device has managed to garner enough raised eyebrows from all over the world.
Designed by experts at IIT, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, the device was unveiled on Thursday by Indian HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal. This low-cost computing device is designed for students and the government has started talks with global manufacturers to start mass production.
We have reached a (developmental) stage that today, the motherboard, its chip, the processing, connectivity, all of them cumulatively cost around $35, including memory, display, everything,
It looks like an iPad, only it’s just 1/14th the cost. It is truly wrong to compare this unnamed device with iPad, so let us just look at the specs.
- Linux Operating System
- touch screen
- built in keyboard
- wi-fi connectivity
- USB port
- 2GB RAM memory
- alternate solar battery support
The tablet is packed with Internet browsers, PDF reader and video conferencing facilities. What more? The minister expects the price to come down to $20 (approx Rs 920)!
Here is a news report of the same
Update (Oct 5th 2011): Aakash $35 tablet has been officially released today by the Indian Government. Check out Aakash tablet!
Raju PP is the founder-editor of Technically Personal, which is one of the most widely read technology blogs on the web. He holds an Engineering degree in Electronics & Communication, and has previously worked as a Technical Specialist in Banking Software domain.
is it possible that rs 1600 laptop come in market? if came then when it is available ?
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