and stay ahead of modern technological advances, the government of India has just launched a new computer that could significantly reduce the price of lap tops everywhere.
The measure is designed to push India’s online market on equal footing with the boom in cell phone usage. The hope is to increase internet penetration with technology that would allow quick access, data transfer and entertainment on mobile handsets.
A prototype version of the new computer was unveiled on Thursday (July 22nd) by India’s Human Resource Development Minister, Kapil Sibal. The launch of the $35 prototype computer he said is part of India’s program to provide connectivity to its students and teachers, at prices that almost anyone can afford.
The government minister said that the price would eventually be lowered to $10.00 a piece and this should certainly facilitate connectivity to all colleges and universities, as part of India’s overall education plan.
During the last ten years, India has witnessed a surge of 600 million cell phone users. This new move is therefore intended to prepare India for another jump into the digital world.
A government spokeswoman said that they intend to tender out contracts to private companies for the mass production of the prototype. The Linux-based computer is equipped with an Internet browser, a PDF reader and several other facilities.
The government is aiming to introduce the new touch-screen computing tool at higher educational institutions in 2011.