$35 Dollar Indian touch pad aimed at students could become a reality
India unveiled a 35-dollar touch-screen laptop in July 2010, claiming it as the world’s cheapest, under a programme to provide connectivity to students in schools and universities. Its sole aim is to provide students a ‘low-cost computing and internet-access device.’
The touch pad has all the basic features, including a built-in touch screen keyboard, 2 GB of RAM memory, Wi-fi connectivity, USB ports. It has no built in storage and will depend on a cloud network storage like Google docs. The tablet supports web browsing, email, video conferencing, PDF and flash support, spread sheet and word processing.
Its powered by a 2-watt system for use in power-deficit areas. In addition to the battery-operated system, it can also run on solar-power.
Many speculated that such a device will not be feasible due to high manufacturing costs. For an instance, an Apple IPad cost about $500 in the market. But now a video has surfaced and it looks surprisingly easy to use (and fast!). Check out the video below.
The seven-and nine-inch (18- and 23-centimeter) device is run on Android and not Linux as previously thought. Its the same slimmed down open-source software that powers Android mobile phones. India plans to introduce it to the higher-education institutions next year (2011).
Lets hope it becomes a reality as it would be an ideal low cost platform to access the Internet for Sri Lankan kids too.
