$35 Tablet Computer

If you had seen out earlier post on comparison between cheapest tablets in India, then you would know about LACS’s magnum pepper which cost around Rs 4500. If that was not enough, Kapil Sibal, HRD minister, Govt of India announced about the cheapest ever tablet being launched on 5 October, 2011. Yes, this would be the cheapest ever you would heard till date and if we are to believe Mr Kapil Sibal, then it will cost just $35 or Rs. 1700/ Rs. 1500. When Kapil Sibal made the first ever announcement about this tablet just an year back, it was named “Sakshat”. However, it is still not very clear as what will be the actual name with which this cheapest ever tablet is getting launched. Its quite probable that it may not get launched with earlier decided name as Mr Sibal revealed that the name will be announced only at the time of launch. Nor do we have enough clarity on this tablet’s internal and features and specifications. However, keeping in mind the price factor, one should not expect the features to be really great. Nevertheless, it is really a best bargain to own a full fledged computer at such a low price of Rs 1700 /Rs. 1500 or $35. Check the below image of Aakah tablet (click to enlarge).

Initially, this $35 tablet computer will be made available to the students only. However, it is still a question as to how and when. Either the HRD ministry could distribute it via schools and colleges or it may well be sold out from the some retail chains outlets.

The device – $35 tablet computer has been indigenously developed and is a collective effort of Ministry, IITs, IISc, VIT, Vellore and students. If we could believe the earlier promise made by Kapil Sibal then its price may come further down to a level of $20 or so.

Update:

Device has been given a name of “Aakash” during its launch just few hours back.

As per the detail given earlier last year at the launch of the prototype, this $35 tablet likely to be available in 5/7/9 inch sizes and it will ofcourse be touchscreen. It will be loaded internet browsers, PDF reader, video conferencing, media player, open office etc. Some of the main points about $35 tablet’s features, technical specs, drawbacks are as below;

§  Based on Google Android OS 2.2

§  Has 366 MHz processor speed with dedicated HD video processor and 2 GB onboard flash storage.

§  Device weighs around 350 grams with dimensions 190.5×118.5×15.7mm

§  Available in 5 inch, 7 inch and 9 inch resistive touch screen.

§  Has 256 MB RAM.

§  Has Storage: 2GB Flash memory + 2GB Micro SD card (expandable to 32GB)

§  Has 2 USB, Mini USB and no video-out ports.

§  Has a built in Wi-Fi and multimedia content. GPRS and SIM will be available in the later models.

§  Remote device management capabilities.

§  Device can play full HD videos at 1080p.

§  It has 2100mAh battery which lasts for 1.5 – 2 hours in case of watching videos and 3 hours otherwise.

There are some drawbacks as well -

§  Touchscreen is not very great.

§  Touchscreen can be used only with a stylus and not with fingers.

As per the information available until now, the $35 tablet PC is expected to be made available to school, college and university students only. There is no official communication on how and where a retail customer (non-students) can buy it from? Also, if the the same price of $35 will be applicable in the retail open market as well? Which retail companies, dealers network will be selling it? These are just few of questions which are still unanswered and bothering people interested in owing this amazing device. Probably, we should get an answer to all such question by 5th October 2011 when this $35 tablet will be officially launched.

Again, it is not very clear as yet if the announced price of $35 is the real price or the subsidized one. If one is to do the breakup of individual components of the tablet, even then at the lowest price possible, the cost comes out to be somewhere close to $48 or $50.