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Bridge digital divide @ Rs. 10,000
si Team
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Not long ago, computers in India were synonymous with high breed computer engineers and software companies who bought computers despite being expensive.

High prices meant computers were out of bounds for an average Indian household whose annual income is around Rs.130,000 ($2900).

But few public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial skills of Indian businessmen, has resulted in the launch of computers for Rs. 10,000 ($222). If Kolkata based Xenitis pulled a coup of sorts by launching personal computers called Apna PC meaning Our PC for the same price, another Bangalore based company, Encore Software launched mobile desktop computer Mobilis, also for Rs. 10,000.

Encore is the same company that developed the world’s first handheld computer Simputer.
While the Xyris chipset based Apna PC has been a runaway success in East India where computer penetration and literacy is much lower than other parts of the country, it remains to be seen how Mobilis will be accepted three months from now when it is launched commercially.

Experts say that access to computers with broadband Internet is necessary to spread healthcare, education and economic prosperity to smaller towns and villages. To get there, you need low-cost PCs. They cite the example of TVs and, more recently, mobile handsets.

The spread of each accelerated only after prices dropped below Rs 10,000.

Mobilis is battery operated, a distinct advantage and a sure remedy for rural areas where batteries are available but electricity is scarce.

Another advantage of the Linux based Mobilis
is its weight. Weighing 750 grams, with built-in local language support and a choice of everyday applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, personal information manager, e-mail, web browser, PC synchronization and text-to-speech capability. Mobilis, with a 7.4-inch LCD screen, has a six-hour battery life and touch-screen facility.

It delivers outstanding mobile performance and powerful connectivity.

While Mobilis comes with an innovative carry case holding a flexible, roll-up keyboard, its other variant Mobiles Wireless and Sofcomp additionally offers built-in GPS receiver and GPRS wireless modem options.
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