India has developed the world’s cheapest laptop at a remarkable $35 price tag. Developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengalooru, the tablet will run on Linux and can be powered by solar or battery power. The device will also come with 2GB of internal memory, video conferencing capabilities and internet browsing. Kapil Sibal, India’s Human Resource Development Minister, unveiled the prototype today and stated that it will be given to 110 million schoolchildren. It won’t be until later next year that the device will be made available to students in higher education. Considering the price of the iPad, this could actually be a viable option for those of you considering purchasing a tablet in the not too distant future.
“The solutions for tomorrow will emerge from India. We have reached a stage that today, the motherboard, its chip, the processing, connectivity, all of them cumulatively cost around $35, including memory, display, everything,” Sibal said.
The device has been created to increase the digital market in India and provide as a boost for the country’s economy. In addition, it is in an effort by the Indian government to achieve a standard of education by the end of the year. Studies show that India’s literacy level is roughly 63% which makes the country stand far behind other developing nations such as China whose literacy rate is at 93%.
I foresee a future where students will no longer have to carry around ten pound text books and everything will be centered around a mid-sized portable device designed for mobility. Then again not everyone has $500 sitting around.
It looks like India is onto something good here…
Read [Guardian]
Hey!
I have specifications of this device at http://thecornerteastall.blogspot.com
It would be a feat to realize !!
Nice find. I would love to have something like this make its way over to the states.
Hats off to the team who has made a great effort to bring such a great idea. If its happens, it will be fantastic. Our country literacy rate will be higher. But the students has to use it in proper manner and do not misuse that for bloody social messengers like facebook, orkut, etc etc…. If its given to the students, they should has to utilize it for to learn the good things which will help for their future and it has to pave the way for their innovations and not to destroy their future. Its all upon to them. Anyhow I am proud of the team whoever is giving their effort to make a cheapest laptop of the world. Once again Hats off to you(Team). Proud to be an Indian on this issue.
Same here! I just can't wait for something like this to make its way over to other countries.
I would buy anything that even remotely resembles the Microsoft Courier in a heartbeat.