India launching Sakshat tablet today

MUMBAI, INDIA: Finally India is launching today Sakshat, said to be the world's cheapest tablet. Priced at around $35 (around Rs 1,500), the new tablet will be available in different screen sizes like 5-inch, 7 and 10 according to reports.

Other features include 2GB of RAM, web-conferencing, PDF reader unzip, WiFi, camera and USB connectivity.

HCL Technologies, which is manufacturing the new tablet, plans to initially produce 100,000 units. Government has assigned Rs 300 million for Sakshat tablet project.

Though it was touted to be a laptop, designed specifically for students, it later turned out that the product is actually a tablet. At the time of showcasing the product in July 2010, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal had said that the low cost-access-cum computing device could become even cheaper if more companies decide to manufacture a similar device.

When the ministry floated the concept of a low cost device some years ago, officials said it would cost Rs.500 ($10). Also the government had showcased a prototype of the Rs 500 computing device at a function in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh in February 2009.