$30 laptop that does not look like a laptop
Feb 5, 2009 Social Initiatives, Stars, Policy and Finance
Sakshat
After hyping up the $20 laptop, the Indian answer to the OLPC, what came out was disappointing to say the least. What was shown on February 3rd was a “ultra low-cost” computing-cum-access device that can “make wonders” in the dissemination of education to the remotest corners of India.
Christened “Sakshat“, the 10” long and 5” wide hand-held device, resembling a modem, rather than a laptop, will supposedly help e-learners access the Web easily. Priced versions of e-content available on the Net can be accessed through this device.The cost of the device shot up to between $20 and $30 against the initial plan to peg it at $10.
Question is how much will the users have to actually fork out when you add a display or a printer to access those e-learning materials? In my opinion, the Simputer, another low cost computer design, unveiled in India in 2001 was better than this one. Atleast it had keyboard and screen! This is a joke of a laptop - one made in bad taste.
Source: The Hindu.
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