Say hello to Aakash ("sky" in Hindi), the $35 (Rs 2,2760 tablet from maker Datawind. The tablet is the product of an ongoing project by the Indian government to bring modern technology to the rural poor. Indian Human Resource Minister Kapil Sibal basically announced the government's plan to produce a $35 tablet slightly over a year ago, and invited tenders from manufacturers. DataWind, a Canadian company, won the bid to make the pilot batch of 100,000 units.
Technical specifications:
Operating system: Android 2.2
Screen: 7″ resistive
Processor: 366 MHz + HD video co-processor
RAM: 256 MB
Flash memory: 2GB + 2GB Micro-SD (expandable up to 32 GB)
USB ports: 2
The battery used in the tablet lasts for only three hours which has not been liked by the tab users but considering its low price it will definitely be applauded in the circle of students. The students can download the relevant study materials from the net and will get rid from the burden of carrying the heavy books every time in the bags. Furthermore, 1000 institutes are being connected with Wi-Fi networks so that students can avail the services of internet 24x7. Akash also possesses Multimedia player which will help the students to relax their minds after hectic classes.
The device is set to be sold at a government-subsidized rate of Rs, 1,400 to 100,000 college students. For general buyers the tablet will be available at Rs, 3000. To market the initiative, Datawind is planning to sell the tab in partnership with telecos with Rs 99 per- month internet services.
