India unveils prototype of $35 tablet computer !

[willynilly]

This an exciting news with potential, it could help with pc penetration , especially in rural India.
Here's a link to the full news article :

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100723/ap_on_hi_te/as_india_supercheap_computer

A small extract from the article :
It looks like an iPad, only it's 1/14th the cost: India has unveiled the prototype of a $35 basic touchscreen tablet aimed at students, which it hopes to bring into production by 2011.
If the government can find a manufacturer, the Linux operating system-based computer would be the latest in a string of "world's cheapest" innovations to hit the market out of India, which is home to the 100,000 rupee ($2,127) compact Nano car, the 749 rupees ($16) water purifier and the $2,000 open-heart surgery.
The tablet can be used for functions like word processing, web browsing and video-conferencing. It has a solar power option too ? important for India's energy-starved hinterlands ? though that add-on costs extra.

[Sid]

I think we should wait for more details to emerge (about the capability/hardware/timeframe, etc.). Indian ministers have a propensity to call the press and get photographed.

[returning_indian]

This can be a good thing for poor kids. I think if avg Indian gets computer, full internet connection and three meals daily, they can unleash unimaginable potential.

[willynilly]

I think we should wait for more details to emerge (about the capability/hardware/timeframe, etc.). Indian ministers have a propensity to call the press and get photographed.

Haha, agreed. I'm just glad at the potential this holds, how long if ever it actually translates to benefits for Indian kids, remains to be seen. The track record suggests that we don't get our hopes up too high. :(

[sftrade]

remember the simputer ??

[hope4best]

Sounds like another TATA Nano thing.

Hope this $35 tablet computer doesn't blow up like one of those Nano did!

[R2IFinal2010]

Sounds like another TATA Nano thing.

Hope this $35 tablet computer doesn't blow up like one of those Nano did!

NANO is a success... It has passed Euro crash test..
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/nano-passes-euro-level-crash-tests/364265/


Haven't you heard about a BMW catching fire? or for that matter VW?
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/1623358150_16346704bf.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/1623358150/&h=300&w=500&sz=118&tbnid=Y8JSxZITJa2HuM:&tbnh=78&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBMW%2Bon%2Bfire&hl=en&usg=__8NjoF8teRLCScEGRZbpRGCc-dDQ=&sa=X&ei=XJ1LTJmcHMP68AbhyYUz&ved=0CB4Q9QEwAg

Anything made in India is nonsense eh? Anyways these are for poor kids so I am happy our govt is atleast thinking about them, subsidizing this and my countrymen have created this for the poorest of the poor. So please do not expect an Apple or an IPad out of this.

[hope4best]

R2IFinal2010 I'd be as happy as you are if it turns out to be good product that really can help millions of children in India. However, there has been a history of bad precedents, ranging from herbal petrol and several other things, that makes a lot of people sceptical about these astonishing cliams. Let's hope this indeed is true innovation.

[Sid]

Anything made in India is nonsense eh? Anyways these are for poor kids so I am happy our govt is atleast thinking about them, subsidizing this and my countrymen have created this for the poorest of the poor. So please do not expect an Apple or an IPad out of this.

You don't have to defend against every skeptical statement!

[Mumbai_2009]

You don't have to defend against every skeptical statement!

He is emotionally charged waiting his long awaited R2I. Let him bask in the emotion for a little longer. Once in India, the emtions will disappear.....Let him be now what he feels, it has a short life.