Bargain-basement tablet computer plan could rival the Apple iPad

by Rob Clymo
on Mon 26 Jul 2010 2 Comments

If you're looking for a better way to do your mobile computing but can't stretch to an Apple iPad then the Indian government may be able to help. They have announced plans and shown off a prototype for an iPad style device that is proposed to come with a price tag of just $35.

The device has no hard disk and uses a memory card setup instead, similar to a mobile phone, which would make it an ideal accompaniment for anyone on the move. It allows the user to carry out web browsing, basic Office-style tasks such as word processing and also video conferencing.

With the basic iPad available for over £400 then the prospect of a sub-£30 tablet style machine could prove popular. There are even plans to bring the price down further if a production model ever makes it to market.

India's Human Resource Development Minister, Kepi Sibal said the Indian government were presently looking for a manufacturer to produce the device, which has been designed to run the Linux operating system.

In addition, it's reported that the tablet can recharge itself on solar power. With a lack of available electrical outlets in a lot of places, that alone could prove essential to any bargain-basement mobile internet user out there.

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Comments

  • neutral

    by Steve Aldrich at 17:06 on 26 Jul 2010Report abuse

    Isn't that a bit like saying some Johnny-on-the-street's dreams of opening a cheaper version of McDonald's could rival (fill in your favourite) steakhouse chain?

    news.cnet.com says "We need to find people who will be able to manufacture these devices at these price points and continue to develop them going forward."

    cnngo.com says "If the government is to hit its promised delivery date of 2011 it needs to find a manufacturer. But right now the corporates aren't biting."

    That puts it squarely in the class of "vapourware," at least for now.

  • neutral

    by Diipak Gupta at 11:13 on 27 Jul 2010Report abuse

    I am co-founder of India's first cloud eLearning company - BigGyan (BigGyan.com). I am neither surprised nor amazed at this. It sounds too good to be true but as far as tech is concerned, the industry as a whole is already at a place where this is expected. Just see the number of cheap mobile phone companies that have come up recently. As far as hardware is concerned, netbook is nothing but a slightly bigger touch phone. By 2011 (when this product will come to market), industry will be saturated with such products. What I am concerned about is that, why government of India needs to launch such new products and make a mockery of themselves when they fail.

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