The Indian government has unveiled a prototype tablet PC system which it
claims will cost just $35.
The country's minister for human resources development, said
that the tablet system will connect with local universities in an effort to
expand web access and improve education.
The tablet is reported to run on a version of Linux, and will feature 2GB of
RAM and Wi-Fi connectivity. Among the software said to be included is a web
browser and PDF file viewer.
The Indian government said that the system will initially cost $35, although
the eventual goal is to drop this to $10. A number of campuses belonging to the India Institute for Technology have
been enlisted to help research ways to improve the system and lower the cost.
The efforts are the latest to address the issue of providing computing tools
and internet access to impoverished communities in rural areas and developing
countries.
One Laptop Per Child campaign has been the most visible
of these initiatives so far. The organisation currently offers the $199 X1 notebook system, and plans to unveil a $75 prototype tablet at CES next year.
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