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A new paperback-sized PC running open-source software is making a bid to become one of the world’s cheapest computers at just $200 (£110). Developed by a small Indian company, Encore, and backed by the national government, the machine is billed as offering conventional features of a normal PC but at an affordable price. Users can carry out basic applications, like word processing & spreadsheets, access the internet and related media, as well as synchronise the system with regular PCs. Dubbed “the people’s computer” for its affordable price and ease of use, the system has been designed specifically with Indian technology users in mind. Its compact design means it weighs just 500 grams. The manufacturer hopes the small size of the system, which comes without a hard disk, will boost the 1 per cent ownership of computers among India’s population. In a country that has become one of the world’s most vibrant technology hubs, the computer is seen as an enabler for those without the skills or money to own their own machine. According to Encore, it has been under development since first being announced in 2001, in a bid to “bridge the digital divide,” and bring computers to citizens of the Third World with features tailored to local needs. For more advanced users, the company is to unveil a second system that can be used as a desktop and a laptop, with USB, wireless modem and the standard 15-inch monitor. Both models are due to hit the Indian market within the next few months, when Encore says they should receive a warm reception from domestic users and the “urban affluent” of developed countries. The systems are expected to provide data useful to farming communities, through dial-up or GPS, while also offering services like micro banking and sales automation. Such features would build upon Encore’s earlier model, the Simputer. Mostly, these will operate through a text to speech translation facility, aside from tools like built-in local language support and a six hour battery back-up. Encore chairman Vinay Deshpande said the new system, expected to be called Mobilis - is primarily targeted at Indian users but already has attracted interest from health outfit ITC, an Indian car company and African universities. It remains to be seen however whether the optimism surrounding Mobilis will be confined to developing nations, as some observers say the serious IT user might regard it as glorified palmtop, unsuitable for high-technology enterprises. Jun 27, 2005 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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