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News >> Technology >>
Encore, CSIR roll out $200 computer
By agencies
|
Wednesday, 11 May 2005, 19:30 IST
NEW DELHI: An 18 month old public-private partnership between Encore Software and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has resulted in the launch of mobile desktops which would be available in the range starting from below 
10,000 ($200) to 20,000 ($400). These products will be in the market in 3-4 months.
The battery- operated computer is much lighter than the currently available products and have been developed under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) being implemented by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Encore Software Ltd.
"The Mobilis, and two of its variants- mobilis wireless and sofComp are Linux-based mobile desktops which weighs only 750 gm, is ideal for those who need an inexpensive and dependable computing device for their day-to-day needs, on the desktop or on the move. It is truly anytime, anywhere computer," Encore Chairman Vinay L Deshpande said.
The mobile desktops have 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 at no extra cost. They do away with the need for electricity.
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 options.
The price is linked to economics of scale and can be met provided there is production of the level of 50,000-100,000.
Encore Software, however, is confident of achieving the scale given the fact that it already has orders from various customers and is in talks with many.
But since the built in memory is up to 512 MB, users may require using additional storage devices. Similarly, in order to use audio-video applications, users have to attach an external CDR drive.
The devices have a battery life of 6-8 hours and run with very little power. Mobilis has optional GPS and GPRS capability as well. SofComp includes a pocket book size CPU and a 15 inch monitor and is slated to be priced below 10,000 ($200). Mobilis will be available for around 10,000 and Mobilis TFT for around 15-20,000 ($300-400).
The customers for the products include Habitat Technologies (for home security systems), ITC (e-choupal, education and healthcare), Reva Electric Company (for its dashboard) and another world wide project where the device would be used as an e-book reader by the students in eight universities (four each in India and South Africa).
10,000 ($200) to 20,000 ($400). These products will be in the market in 3-4 months.
The battery- operated computer is much lighter than the currently available products and have been developed under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) being implemented by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Encore Software Ltd.
"The Mobilis, and two of its variants- mobilis wireless and sofComp are Linux-based mobile desktops which weighs only 750 gm, is ideal for those who need an inexpensive and dependable computing device for their day-to-day needs, on the desktop or on the move. It is truly anytime, anywhere computer," Encore Chairman Vinay L Deshpande said.
The mobile desktops have 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 at no extra cost. They do away with the need for electricity.
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 options.
The price is linked to economics of scale and can be met provided there is production of the level of 50,000-100,000.
Encore Software, however, is confident of achieving the scale given the fact that it already has orders from various customers and is in talks with many.
But since the built in memory is up to 512 MB, users may require using additional storage devices. Similarly, in order to use audio-video applications, users have to attach an external CDR drive.
The devices have a battery life of 6-8 hours and run with very little power. Mobilis has optional GPS and GPRS capability as well. SofComp includes a pocket book size CPU and a 15 inch monitor and is slated to be priced below 10,000 ($200). Mobilis will be available for around 10,000 and Mobilis TFT for around 15-20,000 ($300-400).
The customers for the products include Habitat Technologies (for home security systems), ITC (e-choupal, education and healthcare), Reva Electric Company (for its dashboard) and another world wide project where the device would be used as an e-book reader by the students in eight universities (four each in India and South Africa).