Bringing technology to the masses
Two of India's premier research and development institutes, The Indian Institute of Technology and The Indian Institute of Science, have collaborated and developed the least expensive laptop in the world. The device, designed specifically for students, features a touch screen and will sell for a mere $35.
Significance
The country spends 3 percent of its total budget on education and claims that 64% of its over 1 billion citizens are literate. However, studies show many students are still functionally illiterate and that the government-run school system is grossly inadequate. Developers and education officials hope this device will help improve the country's literacy rate and prove a success in other countries around the world as well. Students and educational facilities, whose economic condition may preclude them from purchasing laptops, can most likely afford the $35 price tag.
University students get the first try using the device
The Linux-based laptop, which can run on solar power, will initially be used by students at India's 22,000 colleges. Developers expect to release the devices in 2011, after the government has completed installation of broadband Internet access at all of India's institutes of higher education. Those involved in developing and promoting the device hope to allow students in lower-level educational institutions access to laptops as well.
Key device features and components
The tablet-style laptop, resembling the hugely popular iPad™, features a 5-by-9 inch touch screen, Open Office application, video conferencing, a media player, Web browser, PDF reader, unzip tool, 2 GB RAM, a USB port, storage, and a 2-watt system suitable for areas with poor power supply. Developers say that users can add new components to the device according to their needs. Indian officials hope efforts to improve the failing educational system will provide students with the knowledge and technical skills they need to boost the country's overall economic growth.
Indian government will subsidize cost for students
The Indian government will most likely subsidize 50% of the $35 cost for students in an effort to encourage a more inclusive education environment. Officials predict that once in mass production, prices could drop as low as $10 per unit. The Indian government believes development of devices like this is a critical element in promoting its initiative to move toward more inclusive, higher-quality education.
Considerations
With the Apple iPad retailing for $500 or more, does the $35 Indian version pose a threat to the success of Apple's Linux-based products? Would American consumers pass up the status and flair of a sleek Apple computer for a $35, or even $10, foreign version? In a capitalist economy, the low-income consumer has the potential to drive the market for a broad spectrum of low-cost products, from cars to computing devices and furniture.
Fuzzy math
According to Wired Magazine, the cost for components came to $47. Indian officials have yet to explain the mathematics that shrank the price to $35. The government of India did state that private companies were lukewarm, at best, to the concept of a laptop affordable to almost everyone.
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc.
