HRD Minister Kapil Sibal unveils Rs 1500 laptop
Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Kapil Sibal had unveiled the eagerly awaited $35 (Rs.1500) “laptop”, or more accurately, a computing-cum-access device named Sakshat, on July 22. The low price of the gadget, which happens to be its USP, is expected to be brought further down to about $10 (Rs.500).
Designed by the students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Rajasthan as well as students from other IITs and technical institutions, the computing and access device has been specially made keeping the interests of students from all walks of the society in mind.
Modeled on the design of an Apple iPad, the computer uses Linux operating system with key features for students – Web browser, multimedia player, PDF reader, Wi-Fi, and video conferencing ability. No hard disk is present but the memory tasks are performed by 2 GB of Ram provided internally. The motherboards for the computer have been designed by the students from several branches of IITs & IISc for which the ministry has given a round of applause.
It has inbuilt USB ports and is expected to hit the schools and universities by next year. The tablet can be used even in the remote areas where electricity has still not made its way as it works with a solar power option.
Leave a Reply