Laptop now at $100

Laptop now at $100

New Delhi: After displaying its prowess in developing the world's cheapest car, India is on track to rolling out the world's cheapest laptop computer that could cost as low as Rs 4000 ($100), a top official said.

Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari said research was being conducted to develop the laptop, especially for use by students, which will cost all of $100.

"Research in this direction is being already carried out at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras," she told the e-India annual summit on information and communication technologies.

The laptop, when produced, will prove to be a breakthrough device that could solve the problems of low computer literacy and e-learning not only in India, but also the world over, she added.

Earlier this year, India's Tata Group had unveiled the'Nano' that was touted as the world's cheapest car costing all of $2,500 and the announcement had grabbed global headlines.

The cheapest laptop available today is the 'Xo' sold by the Massachusetts-based non-government organization 'One Laptop Per Child Foundation', which sells the gadget for $188.

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siliconindia news bureau

Reader’s comments

Comment 1: how it is possible, really it is unbeleivable. I was shocked in seeing this ad.
Intimate me when it comes to market
Posted by : poornima - Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Comment 2: The indian govt always pushes of good things that are proposed from foreign countries in India.... may be for protecting the indian business men, who support the indian govt
Posted by : tomsy - Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Comment 3: r u sure? this is possible
Posted by : Jagadish - Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Comment 4: Thats really a very great news that we can have a laptop costing $100....its like a dream come true for those who cant afford the expensive computers not even flat screens...and now can have there own computers.....i really appreciate this and wish my INDIA all the best and carry on like this and become world's no. 1 country ....I LOVE MY INDIA...
Posted by : Ankana Nayyar - Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Comment 5: That I really appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I am really glad. But I would like to know the configuration of that tool, sorry, but I suspect that it wont be sufficient enough to handle the softwares which will be used now a days
Posted by : Bhaskar Apte - Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Comment 6: Its a welcome news but while devloping a product for students and rural indians in addition to cost ,care should also be taken to ensure that it is practically user friendly and allows upgradations if need be. Under a govt scheme TVs were distributed to schools in AP but in more than 50% schools there was no power connection and the tvs either gathered dust or landed in headmasters house. time frame is equally important so that the product when launched should not be outdated.
Posted by : nagraj panchawati - Monday, August 04, 2008

Comment 7: what is the config..any info?
Posted by : sundar - Monday, August 04, 2008

Comment 8: It will going to b exiting, it will help the children in there studies and iam lookng forwd to buy one for my daughter who is 5 years old. And we should not go on the price tag and assume quality of the product. Abdul.
Posted by : abdul sattar - Saturday, August 02, 2008

Comment 9: Most of the Indian researches are based on reverse engineering. As we know a computer of this type has already been developed at MIT which is in USA for $188 around two years back. As the prices of electronic chips/parts used do declines sharply so offering a computer at half of the price in India is not a big deal.I am not demotivating this so called research but rather I want to emphasize our great brains of India to develop something new, something really innovative.India should not be just tagged as just a cheap supply of products or manpower. Time has come when we should think big and act big. I am very much excited towards the India's Moon Mission. Second it is high time India should develop thorium operated nuclear reactors. Once we develop this we will rule the world. I hopw u are with me!
www.ideotics.blogspot.com
Posted by : ankur - Friday, August 01, 2008

Comment 10: sevenfon for 280 Rs
sevenLaptop for 1600 Rs

http://sevenfon.googlepages.com/sevenfon.html
http://sevenlaptop.googlepages.com/
Posted by : poonam - Friday, August 01, 2008

Comment 11: It's a very gud news for every student who is really serious about his carrier and future.
Most important thing for a student is to shave their time frm all other works and include it wid their study. Also during the exam days, it become very tough to manage the time. A laptop can help them to revise their chapters so quickly and easily.
The main problem wid a student is the lack of money for those who does not do any part time job and fully dependent on their parents. Now they can also purchase this cheapest computer by just shaving some amount frm their daily pocket money. Really its a news who filled my heart wid love and affection for all those who are thinking very seriously to develop such type of cheapest model of computer who could help to a student to make their future bright.
Posted by : Amar Deep - Friday, August 01, 2008

Comment 12: it is really a very good news..............the idea and team deserves an appraisal.
it can change the face of studies.......n will definately proove 2 b very fruitful for students...........as everyone cant afford costly laptops......
m eagerly waiting 4 such a laptop to come in the market.............
Posted by : diksha - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 13: Hi Everyone, I was amazed when I read this news, we all know that not evryone can afford to buy a laptop, and its become mandatory to have a laptop by the engineering students, I would say if this laptop is configured in a such a way that it can serve the purpose of the students and education department, than nothing like it, it will not only capture the markert but also a boosting among the people and students to go ahead with their career.
ALL THE BEST TO THE TEAM.............!
Posted by : Gopikala - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 14: Laptop "XO" invited by all hearts acroos the world
Its Overwhelming and My whole hearted Wishes to Respected
D. Purandeswari {Minister of State for Human Resource Development}. Simply the best Laptop "XO" which eradicates low computer literacy and boost up the E-Learning Part acrross the world
Our Thanks To the Team Behind this Laptop Invention... Wish u the best and guide me how to book the laptop?
Posted by : Ravi shankar - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 15: Its great news for Indians, either these low cost Laptops may not have full feature as compared with costliest in the maket right now, but definatly the computer litracy will boom in the world.
My best wishes for the Invented team,.
Pankaj
Posted by : Pankaj Malviya - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 16: hi i really want to buy this laptop. how and where i can get this laptop. it is really amazing.

Posted by : Dubal Vimal - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 17: how to book I am egarly wating for the Laptop**********$$$$$$$$@@@@

Mirza
Bangalore
Posted by : Mirza - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 18: It's really a great news but I am waiting to see how it'll differ from other laptops available in the market.a
Posted by : Arindam Guha - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 19: I don't believe it will be possible, because in this price how could one make a laptop where least minimum devices will be there to operate like a computer.
Posted by : Milan - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 20: Ab toh Ghar ghar mein Car Ghar ghar mein Laptop
Posted by : lalit - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Comment 21: i dont belive.......................................................................
Posted by : sumit - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 22: Wow...Its a great opportunity for the students.I think they will utilize this.
Posted by : Chandra Sekar - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 23: i think its too nice but it can work like a original laptop all features are available in this that in highly cost like 40000/- & 80000/-
Posted by : Urvashi - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 24: yuppie!!!!!! aa laptop only at $100...
vow gud news for every indian n also for the world...
it shows that technology starts from INDIA...
we are taking the example of tata nano. ya its good.but we also know that the car is light wieght n not suited for highways ... cannot accomodate more than 3 people......i just want to say that we should make cheap products but it has to be very much reliable these days... people want low cost thing but it MUST be reliable n strong........ well lets see when it would be launched. then only i can comment further.....
Posted by : deepanshu - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 25: dear all ,
it wud be great , even if it able to impart basic education and first hand experience, it wud be fine
Posted by : dipesh - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 26: Great news for us (Indians). These kind of things inspire me a lot and I feel proud of my countrymen.
Posted by : Kirankumar - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 27: Kindly give contact details of the compan.y

Harkaran Turhaa
Posted by : Harkaran Turhaa - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 28: I hope they don't hand over abacus in place of Laptop. When inflation is so high, I think that is what can be sold at Rs 4000. Added advantage : Uses very less power ( zero watts infact)

Ajai

Posted by : Ajai - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 29: what an idea, grt each child will have a personal laptop, i m not sure of pricing.
when is it launching
Posted by : Kanchan - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 30: What an idea, one laptop for every child, looking forward to grasp
Posted by : Romesh - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 31: hi i really want to buy this laptop. how and where i can get this laptop. it is really amazing.
Posted by : shahnawaz - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 32: Sir,
I'm Hari from chennai how i can apply for the laptop(Rs.4000).Please say that information.

Best Regards!
Hari

Posted by : hari - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 33: If chanderbabu naidu could have taken the responsibilities then it could have turned in truth othr wise it seems that its political stunt.
Posted by : Swapan roy chowdhury - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 34: This is another hype like Simputer and before that PARAM at CDAC. It seldom
results in business/socioeconomic success when the massive scales and economics of mainstream developed infrastructure is not leveraged.

Even OLPC could not pull it off at $200 - and it does offer significant computer, display and I/O but failure comes from trying to create new paradigm in use model. In the meantime, intel's eepc at $300 is capturing the market.

WHAT YOU GET IS WHAT YOU PAY !!
Posted by : Desi in Silicon Valley - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 35: hmmm great if it happens then it will be a good help for the students
Posted by : sunil - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 36: It's a great news. This will help country progress in a fastest mode. Literacy rate will be higher.
Best luck to the institutes involved.
Posted by : Dr Anant Shukla - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 37: this is a good initiative that would help the entrepreneurs to set up browsing kiosks on the move too. like we speak through telephone, we can send a email in five minutes and get charged for that only.
Posted by : aravindrajesh - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 38: This is huge! India's ability to prove its ingenuity has never failed. I am sure this will happen. But, I am hoping it will happen sooner rather than later. I do wonder on the profitability aspect ofcourse...
Posted by : Jay - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 39: This so called $ 100 Dream Indian laptop will remain that only- a DREAM.
Nano has been conceived and executed by Tata. But the Indian public sector track record in project execution is miserable. This is only a SARKARI announcement by Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari- I think one should take it with the usual grain of salt. Does not even desrve a headline by SI.
Posted by : Vijayshimla - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 40: This is great or feelings behind it very good .everyone appreciat it
Posted by : Manoj - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 41: idea is really good if it gets succeed.if the project is with reliance then it will be 101% success.
Posted by : Anoop chellappan - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 42: Really it is great. I appreciate the Govt. if it is availavle for Rs.4000/- everybody will enjoy with the help of laptop.
Posted by : Ramesh Patnaik - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 43: Is it possible???Since Reliance is doing, there will be certainly the hidden charges of more than Rs25000/-
Posted by : Shailesh - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 44: Great Knews fr the poor. It is good to note that a LAPTOP is being offered at $ 100/-. The Government should allow these items in India without or with charging the abnormal duties, taxes etc to make the cost within reach of each person. Wishing to all a sweet dream which may come true?????????????
Posted by : satinder katoch - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 45: Great Knews fr the poor. It is good to note that a LAPTOP is being offered at $ 100/-. The Government should allow these items in India without or with charging the abnormal duties, taxes etc to make the cost within reach of each person. Wishing to all a sweet dream which may come true?????????????
Posted by : satinder - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 46: But I am sure it will not run on Windows because a copy of windows would cost more than 100$ :)
Posted by : Varun - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 47: It is non other then a Bluff.
It is one amoung many dreams shown by government to create news.
Posted by : Amit Kumar - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 48: It is nice to note that a LAPTOP is being offered at $ 100/-
Like this there was several offers which comes in the paper and in the media, but I have yet to see a low cost car or the lap top.
Would it realy come into india. Does the Government (any government it may be) will allow such a low cost items in India or would they charge the abnormal duties, taxes etc and make the cost of the items double.
It is nice if the dream becomes true Which I have my own doubts ????????????
Posted by : Sudheendra P K - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 49: It is nice to note that a LAPTOP is being offered at $ 100/-
Like this there was several offers which comes in the paper and in the media, but I have yet to see a low cost car or the lap top.
Would it realy come into india. Does the Government (any government it may be) will allow such a low cost items in India or would they charge the abnormal duties, taxes etc and make the cost of the items double.
It is nice if the dream becomes true Which I have my own doubts ????????????
Posted by : Sudheendra P K - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 50: It would be fine if they keep they take care of the configurations also...
Posted by : Srujan - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 51: i never expect this and i really happy to heard this news
Posted by : Thilakar - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 52: How great it is. This proved Indians is formost in innovative technology now
Posted by : varaprasad - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 53: It is really commendable for all the agencies involved in this novel initiative . Truly computer literacy is now no longer a luxury of the effluent, its a neccessity of all stratas of society. It is very applaudable that Mr. Ambani Jr is taking initiative in this novel endeavour and as for the Govt at last it seems to put some of its priorities right
Posted by : Avishek Jaiswal - Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Comment 54: That's good i rearly Really appreciate that laptop thing
Posted by : kashiv seth - Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Comment 55: I hope this will happen in a short period, Why we shold blame on govt only , When most of the educated persons are not ready to cast their valuable votes in an election how the govt can be favourable to the public only , it will be like unbalanced team, No one can take any decisions for the public , Let us choose the govt and them balme on them
Posted by : Sankar - Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Comment 56: If this works, its going to be great. But it will never happen. Govt is good in bluffing people with promises
Posted by : Murugesh - Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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