aimed at bridging the digital divide between the nation's rich and
poor.
The tablet computer is called "Aakash", or sky in Hindi, and will be
sold to students at the government-subsidized price of $35.
Indian officials and the company that developed the computer, DataWind
Limited, handed out the devices Wednesday to hundreds of students in
New Delhi.
The company is planning a pilot-run of 100,000 units.
The computer tablet provides word processing, Internet browsing and
video conferencing. The device also has two USB ports.
DataWind Chief Executive Suneet Singh Tuli on Wednesday called for
competition in order to get the price of the tablet computer down to
$10.
Indian Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal called the
computer India's gift to all children, and a tool to help lift many
out of poverty.
India has a reputation for creating affordable innovative products,
including the compact "Nano" car, which sells for about $2,000.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/India-Launches-Worlds-Cheapest-Computer-131164843.html
Students display Aakash, which means sky in Hindi, dubbed the world's
cheapest tablet computer, after its launching ceremony in New Delhi,
India, October 5, 2011.
