Nicetop to offer solution for mass computing

PUNE: Pune-based IT solutions provider I2IT Pvt. Ltd has launched -Nicetop- a

computing appliance which integrates hardware and software and offers a complete

solution for mass computing.

Dr Vijay Bhatkar, who is on the advisory chair of I2IT, termed the launch of

Nicetop as major step forward in bringing IT to the masses. "The personal

computer population in India is just about 6 million as compared to

approximately 18 million in China. The greatest impediment here is not the cost

but the usability of the computers,'' he argued.

The Nicetop has its own operating system (OS) and is extremely easy to use.

It has multilingual capacity, offers low cost ownership, and needs no special

air-conditioning requirements. This apart, it has built-in Internet

connectivity, consumes minimum power and has a carry-on feature for mobile

computing.

Priced at Rs 20,000 for the configuration, it does not include the cost of

the monitor, keyboard and mouse, which has to be purchased separately. Dr

Bhatkar said that this was a networked device for ICE wherein one could also

watch television if required.

A handy plug onto the Internet machine, the product comes with all software

that an ordinary user would require. Nicetop has a 32 bit processor, 64 MB RAM,

32MB Flash storage, USB ports - 2, built in LAN card and has a built-in internet

explorer 4.0 browser. It also has built-in POP3 email client with multiple

accounts, word processor, Messenger, Media Player MP3.wav AIFF.

The product is currently manufactured in Taiwan and the firm is holding talks

with government to formulate a hardware policy that would favor the manufacture

of the devices locally, Dr Bhatkar said. Negotiating were being conducted with

monitor manufacturers to provide a holistic package for customers.

Nicetop is expected to address various segments such as home users, business

services, enterprise computing needs, education services, e-governance and

information kiosks, rural and remote users.

I2IT hopes to sell around 12,000 to 15,000 units in the first year of

operations.