Nearly two years after it announced its intention to launch a low-cost computing device, the Indian government today demoed Aakash, now the world’s lowest priced computing/internet device at $46 (Rs 2,250). Other cheap tablet PC initiatives by private companies include ‘Magnum’ by LACS, a division of the Bangalore-based Devraj group, priced at $99. Beetel of the Bharti group priced its ‘Magiq’ tablet PC at Rs 9,999 ($200) while Reliance Communications’ Reliance 3G Tab costs Rs 12,999 ($265). Aakash, launched by communications and IT minister Kapil Sibal today, is designed, developed and manufactured by DataWind, in partnership with IIT Rajasthan, under the HRD ministry’s Mission on Education Through Information and Communication Technology (NME-ICT).
The government is buying 100,000 tablets from DataWind at an all-inclusive price of $46 (Rs 2,250) a unit. However, under NME-ICT, the target price for 10 million units is Rs 1,750 ($35) a unit. DataWind eventually plans to bring it down to $10 (around Rs 500) a unit.
The Aakash is a seven-inch Android 2.2 touch screen tablet that has an HD video co-processor for a multimedia experience and core graphics accelerator for faster application support, as also DataWind’s UbiSurfer browser. The device includes Wi-Fi connectivity and support for optional 3G modems. Two full-sized USB ports are integrated into the unit allowing pen-drives, external keyboards, webcams, dongles and other inexpensive peripherals to be attached, according to DataWind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli. DataWind is also offering a leather keyboard case with the package.
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