NEW DELHI, INDIA: Zenith Computers, the second largest Indian PC manufacturer today announced the launch of a new laptop and desktop under the brand name ‘EcoStyle’. The Zenith EcoStyle laptop priced at Rs. 14,999, will be the lowest priced Windows OS enabled laptop in the market; while the desktop PC will be available at a highly competitive market price of Rs. 11,999.

The EcoStyle PC and laptop will be available across India in time for the festive season. Zenith’s chain of 800 authorized dealers and 350 exclusive showrooms will stock these computers.

The announcement, made by Raj Saraf, CMD, Zenith Computers, and Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India, is an effort by the companies to further their initiatives in the affordable computing space.

The cheap laptop, EcoStyle, is ideal for the youth, with its aesthetically designed, state-of-the-art trendy features and the host of content available on it. The laptop is Net enabled, and comes preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite: an Operating System (Windows XP Home Edition), Microsoft Works (includes Word Processor, spreadsheets and PPT viewer), and Microsoft Windows Live Suite (Includes Email Client, Messenger and Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare).

The EcoStyle PC will give the customer an option of choosing Windows Vista Starter or Microsoft Windows XP Home. The portability of the PC makes it convenient for professionals to carry it whenever they need to – it weighs just 2.2 kg and has dimensions of 185mm x 250 mm x 70 mm. The desktop will also come preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite. Bringing together ease of use and professional performance, the EcoStyle PC is ideal for small office or home offices owners.

In addition to the portability and the relevant content, both the computers have an added advantage of reduced power consumption due to a smaller screen size. One an average, they consume 30 percent less power.

Reflecting on Zenith’s legacy of innovation, Raj Saraf, CMD, Zenith Computers, said, “This initiative is a part of our continuous effort to foster advanced and hassle free computing experience. The initial Rs. 10,000 PC was launched with much fanfare, however it failed to perform. With the EcoStyle PC, Zenith is bringing a true low-cost PC which underlines performance and affordability for the consumers.”

Both the EcoStyle PC and the ULPC will be deployed on the Microsoft OS.

Speaking at the launch and commenting on the company’s initiatives in the affordable computing space, Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India, said, “Under the Microsoft Unlimited Potential initiative, our effort is to bring sustained social and economic opportunity to people who currently don’t enjoy the benefits of technology. Our aim is to propel a wider acceptance for IT amongst the masses by extending an opportunity to learn, connect, create, and succeed by combining advanced technologies and relevant partnerships.”