$50 Aakash Tablet launched in India

[vasudev]

Today the much awaited Made In India tablet was launched.Its named as Aakash
(meaning Sky in Hindi). Its mainly meant for Students and will be available at
subsidised rate while for masses its cost is ~$60

It was about an year ago the prototype was shown to the public and its cost
was estimated at $35.

"Has the device lived up to the $35 price tag?"
Technically, it hasn't. The HRD ministry has informed us that the manufacturing cost of the device is $37.98. The sales price of the device however is $49.98 after adding the transportation cost, warranty and other costs. The manufacturer will be able to deliver 1,00,000 units of the device to consumers at $49.98 that is approximately Rs. 2276. So the $35 claim does not hold true in real terms. “

“So, if $37.98 is the cost of the device, what will the institutes have to pay? How much is the government going to subsidize the device? The answer is 50%. An institute that wishes to make this tablet available to its student will pay Rs. 1500 or less, the ministry has informed us.”

(Source NDTV)

Complete Specs -

Name: Akaash (Not Sakshat as was originally called)
Manufacturer:
Datawind
Price : Rs 2,276 (about $50)
Dimensions: 190.5x118.5x15.7mm
Screen: 7" resistive
Weighs: 350gms
Operating System: Android 2.2
(Doesn’t have Android Marketplace has Getjar instead)
Processor: 366MHz
Wi-fi enabled only
Connectivity: 2 full USB ports
Memory: 256MB RAM
Storage: 2GB Flash memory + 2GB Micro SD card (expandable to 32GB)
Battery: 2100mAh (Lasts 1.5 to 2 hours when watching HD videos & 3 hours
on average use)

(Source NDTV chat )

Comparison Chart (Courtesy NDTV.com)

You do have the option to purchase a carrying case for the device that also
supports a keyboard. This will cost you an additional Rs.300 in the retail
market. For more photos please visit : NDTV.com

It will be sold as the DataWind Ubislate for Rs 2999 (~$60) inclusive of taxes from Nov.2011



For more details, review, pics, video etc please visit these NDTV.com source links

$50 tablet: From prototype to reality
What features will the Made in India Tablet have?
GadgetGuru Video Review : The Aakash: At $50, the world's cheapest tablet

(Source: $50 Aakash Tablet launched ($30 for Students) – Specs / comparison chart )

[whs]

Sounds like a Coby Kyros - only cheaper. Coby Kyros Review - Tablets - CNET Reviews

[SKK]

i think my college does not provide this for student

[HappyAndyK]

The tablet Aakash (earlier called Sakshat) has been developed by UK-based company DataWind and Indian Institute of Technology, Rajasthan.

More at TheGeeksClub including some latest videos.

[vasudev]

Yes , Its been assembled in Hyderabad. (UPDATE: Just watched an interview with CEO of Datawind Suneet Singh, saying the board is manufactured in India only)
Also to note that GPRS receiver and a SIM card slot will be provided in the lot beyond 10000 units at the same price.

When asked about this viable business opportunity -
CEO of Datawind, Suneet Singh Tuli said, it is profitable .“In fact, it
is so profitable that he has decided to throw in a GPRS receiver and a SIM card
slot into the device without any extra charge to the government. He will still
maintain the price point of $37.98. These add-ons are not in the first lot of
10,000 units as they have already been delivered to the Ministry. But the rest
of the 90,000 units will have these add ons.”

[vasudev]

Also those who are saying Aakash is the cheapest Tablet are wrong.There are cheaper Tablets available with better Specs. Check this one for ~$39 (source PCWorld)

[Azharuddin]

Thanks for the information.....