India’s own iPad/tablet PC

It is indeed a dream come true for many students who can not afford the expensive laptops and Personal Computers. Yes, India has unveiled a Tablet PC with Touch Screen, India’s own iPad for only Rs. 1500. It was unveiled by the Human Resource Development Minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal on Thursday, 22nd July 2010.

The Tablet PC, specially designed for Students and teachers of Schools, Colleges and Universities, which can be eventually owned by public too. The device has been developed by the Research team at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai & Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Mr. Kapil Sibal unveils India's Rs.1500 Tablet PC

This Device is a cross-over between a tablet PC and an iPad, has very sleek looks and is charged by a Solar Panel. This computing device has support for almost all tasks performed by a conventional computer like open office, internet browsing with flash plugin, JavaScript, multimedia content viewer like zip files, image files, pdf file, etc. Has built-in WiFi for audio/video and supports web conferencing. In addition to this, it has Cloud computing, remote device management capability, multi-media input output interface option. The device does not have a hard disk hence the memory is less but it does support external memory to make up for it. And the added advantage is that it works on a 2 watt power system to suit areas with poor power supply.

The basic Specifications of the device:

Operating System: Linux
Display: Touch Screen
Keyboard: Built in
RAM: 2GB
Connectivity: WiFi, USB
Power: 2 watt.

The new touch screen computing device is not available in the market at present, but is expected to be available for students at the educational institutes in 2011. At the moment the device is priced at Rs. 1500 (approx.) but there would be a 50% subsidy for educational institutes which will bring down the cost to Rs. 750 for students, which makes the computing device very affordable for all.

Mr. Kapil Sibal has invited other private companies to manufacture a similar access cum computing device which will automatically bring down the price. Though initially the response from the private sector was very lukewarm but now many are willing to join the innovation. The initial order is expected to be no less than 1 lakh pieces. Expectations are that the prices may come down to Rs. 1000 & further down to Rs. 500 as innovations are introduced.

Mr. Sibal said that though the device would initially be manufactured in Taiwan or somewhere else, it would eventually be made in India. He also said that the price of the Solar panel was not included in the cost but negotiations are on with a company to bring down the prices of the panel. Hence at the moment the final price of the computing device depends on the transportation cost, and it will be made available to educational institutes through the HRD Ministry in 2011.