The Indian government is currently working with private companies as well as several “elite technology institutions” to develop a 500 rupee ($10 USD) laptop. In contrast, the OLPC laptop’s screen alone costs $28.50 USD. The Times Online says that the project is already three years in the making, and that the Indian government expects to have a prototype of the laptop within months.
Here’s a stolen shot of the proto-protoype:
I hope they changed things up. Critics of the project claim that the whole thing is just a publicity stunt, coinciding with the forthcoming general elections. On the other hand, India was able to develop a $1,780 USD car and a $14 USD phone, so we never know.
[via Gearlog]
