(Thumbnail Image: The Hindu)
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India has unveiled a new computer that it says costs just $35. Some are marveling at the machine, while others are suspicious of the low-cost claim.
We’re looking at perspectives from CNN, Asian News International, PopFi and TechTicker.
CNN has details of the device.
“It’s a touch-screen device that kind of looks like an iPad, but not as fancy, and it can be used for things like word-processing, Web browsing and even video conferencing.”
But Asian News International shows that, at the press conference, India’s Human Resource Development Minister was more extensive when describing the capabilities.
SIBAL: “Multi-media content, (inaudible), PDF, DOCs, ODS, ADP…”
He listed dozens of features…
SIBAL: “Wireless communication for audio, video, cloud-computing action, remote-device management capability…
And summed it up with: “It has everything.”
Still, some are suspicious. PopFi says:
“How is this device only $35? … it seems really capable for its size, form factor, and price. … Maybe India is really twisting the arms of their various suppliers to get the device at cost.”
But TechTicker says India has come through.
“…we’ve heard bold claims from [the] Indian government before... but it looks like they’ve achieved it this time.”
India says the computer will be mainly marketed to students, and that they’re looking to private companies to help cut costs. The device should be available by 2011, and — get this — India says the price should drop even lower: to just $10.
What do you think of this new computer — awesome achievement, or too good to be true?
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