India showcases low-cost laptop to bridge digital divide A novel version of the laptops, built by Indian science and technology institutes and to be priced between Rs.500-1,000 (approx. $10-20), was showcased in Tirupati town. The low-cost device, developed jointly by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, for the human resource development (HRD) ministry, is aimed at bridging the digital divide and making access to computer literacy affordable to the masses. Demonstrating the laptop in presence of HRD Minister Arjun Singh and experts in the Venkateshwara University campus, Education Joint Secretary S.K. Sinha said the low-power consuming gadget would hit the market in the next six months. “The device, which is smaller than the normal laptop in size and weight, still needs fine-tuning. With 2GB memory and wireless internet connection, the laptop will be priced between Rs.500-1,000 to make it affordable to everyone,” Sinha said. To popularize and make extensive use of the laptop, the ministry plans to distribute the device in hundreds to higher secondary schools and colleges across the country on a pilot basis under the national mission on education through information and communication technology. “We intend to provide high-speed internet access to schools and colleges to download e-books, e-journals and relevant educative material through the state-run Sakshat portal,” Sinha said. “The goal of the national mission is to increase enrollment in higher education by five percent by 2014. The government will subsidise 25 percent of broadband connectivity costs for private and public colleges,” Singh announced. The mission is part of the ministry's initiatives to help the common man in his quest for education. The central government has earmarked Rs.46.12 billion (Rs.4,612 crore) for the mission in the 11th Five-Year Plan. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and state HRD Minister D. Purandeshwari were also present on the occasion.
sounds great we need not shell out more money on these costly and branded laptops to get our needs and dreams fulfilled. this will definitely revolutionize the education system in india. even papers will be saved due to this as students would use e books rather than paper books. the whole new idea of education would change... eager to see it come true
There was a launch of 13000rs laptop few months back. I don't think that this world work. As when they provide cheap laptop the quality definitely degrades. The same is the case with NANO. No one wants to purchase such laptops until built with high resolution and quality.
Well, if anyone is keen on purchasing a laptop just to meet the requirements of basic computing, these laptops are the best option to go for. However, if you are looking to go for high configuration laptop for advanced gaming and use of multimedia features, these aren't the ones for you.
Laptops costing just rs 1000 is simply amazing and quite unbelievable. I think these laptops are just for the namesake as they hardly have any disc space or configuration. The quality might be cheap as well. I have heard about the laptop available at 13000 rs and find it of low quality and considering 1000rs laptop is quite indigestible.
A lap top for 1000 is of no means and yes of course is of no use either. Appreciation should be given to the project but lap top with some what good configuration at 5000-10,000 would be good for Indian market. A person who needs a laptop will be expecting some good features in it and he'll never want to go for a toy lap top.
A laptop should always meet users’ requirement. Cheap and expensive laptop does make a difference but if you prefer buying quality products then always go for the one that suits your needs and quality. A laptop at 1000 rs is really a great project but that laptop shouldn't be a toy for users. It would be better if some changes are made which would be helpful for common person's need.
This is a great news! This shows that we Indians are no way back from any country in terms of innovations. If we continue to work in this way, we can reach out for all the needy sections of our country and bring about significant changes which are impossible if relied upon these politicians. Truly the youth of India are the need of the hour.
