The noble aim of ubiquitous computing for all global citizens came a step closer to reality with the news that the Indian government is looking to provide a computer costing just $35 (around £23.)
According to a report over on ITworld, India's Press Information Bureau has stated that although the device will initially launch for $35, the aim is to drop the cost as more are produced - ultimately creating a computing device which can retail in volume to colleges and universities for just $10 (£6.55.)
Details of the device have not yet been released, so it's hard to say what it will be capable of - but the price point offers some hints. At $35 per unit, the devices are highly unlikely to be running Microsoft Windows - meaning that Linux is a strong contender for the operating system.
Interestingly, the information released by the government details that the device will be both a computer and an "access device" - indicating that, unlike the recently unveiled Humane Reader which features offline-only access to content, Internet access will be possible.
The technology for the device is being developed within India itself, with the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institutes of Technology named as organisations working to perfect the gadget.
Sadly, full details and specifications of the device will have to wait until closer to its launch - along with finding out just how close it manages to get to its rock-bottom $35 launch price.
Are you impressed by India's efforts to bring low-cost computing to the country's students, or should existing solutions such as the open-source One Laptop Per Child project be considered first? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
According to a report over on ITworld, India's Press Information Bureau has stated that although the device will initially launch for $35, the aim is to drop the cost as more are produced - ultimately creating a computing device which can retail in volume to colleges and universities for just $10 (£6.55.)
Details of the device have not yet been released, so it's hard to say what it will be capable of - but the price point offers some hints. At $35 per unit, the devices are highly unlikely to be running Microsoft Windows - meaning that Linux is a strong contender for the operating system.
Interestingly, the information released by the government details that the device will be both a computer and an "access device" - indicating that, unlike the recently unveiled Humane Reader which features offline-only access to content, Internet access will be possible.
The technology for the device is being developed within India itself, with the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institutes of Technology named as organisations working to perfect the gadget.
Sadly, full details and specifications of the device will have to wait until closer to its launch - along with finding out just how close it manages to get to its rock-bottom $35 launch price.
Are you impressed by India's efforts to bring low-cost computing to the country's students, or should existing solutions such as the open-source One Laptop Per Child project be considered first? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
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