India’s $10 Laptop Finally Released, Turns Out to Be a $35 Tablet
October 10th, 2011
A couple of years ago the Indian government announced that they were working on a $10 (USD) laptop to help make technology and education accessible to their poor citizens. I didn’t take their plan seriously, but they sure did. Although somewhere along the way their plans changed, they still came up with a very impressive product. Behold – the Aakash, a tablet that can be bought for as little as $35.
The Aakash (Hindi for “sky”) runs Anroid 2.2 (Froyo), has a 7″ resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 480, a 366Mhz CPU, 256MB of RAM, 2GB of internal storage and a battery that lasts for only 3 hours maximum in between charges. It has Wi-Fi connectivity, but no 3G unless you use a dongle. Disappointing specs, yes, but not surprising for the price. What’s really surprising – and a slap to the face of iPad owners – is that the Aakash also has two USB ports and a microSD slot. Buuuuuurn. Don’t balk at its puny hardware either – it may not be able to play Infinity Blade but it can still play HD videos thanks to an integrated video processor. Here’s a more in-depth look at the Aakash courtesy of YouTube channel NDTV Profit (skip to 0:27 for the start of the feature):
Again, the tablet’s manufacturer is actually selling the Aakash to the Indian government for $45 apiece. The government then subsidizes some of the cost to be able to sell it to teachers and students for $35. The Aakash isn’t a full laptop and it’s not sold for $10, but it is a very functional and useful device. What an impressive achievement. Check out the source links below for more information. Now how about that microSD slot, Apple?
[via Washington Post and Hungry N Foolish]
Comments (10):
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Categories: Gadgets Mobile Tech Strange + Wonderful Technology
I want please
I’d love to buy these also for my nieces! Is it possible?
how do i get one
please send me info on how to purshase this tablet
Check out this link to order them ONLINE.
http://www.akashtablet.com/
The Commercial One will hit the market in December.
The Student Version is Out in some regions though, For more details follow the link below.
http://www.hungrynfoolish.com/2011/10/06/aakash-tablet-product-review-specs-pics-price-and-insights-from-the-maker-himself/
i would love to buy this for me and my sis so plz tell how can i get it suggest me.
This is good thought of central govt,lanched the tablet laptap,it is useful for normal,poor people,iam also exciting to buy it.please tell me how to buy it,send information to my mail.THANKYOU
Glad to hear that India has developed this tech to young people for satisfaction the needs. I hope, other developing countries will develop such opportunities to their nation. Good luck India!!! Keep it up!!
Please tell me that when akash laptop will comes in market.