India Unveils $35 Tablet Computer “Aakash”

With the intent of spreading knowledge and awareness of information technology all across the nation, India is all in readiness to roll out the world's cheapest, government-subsidized tablets computer, pegged at around $35, to myriad needy villagers, especially students, in the countryside.

The tablet dubbed "Aakash", meaning sky in Hindi, has been advertised as the world's cheapest tablet computer.

The tablet is an outcome of years of patient and unnerving efforts made by manufacturer "Datawind", in corporation with the Government of India.

The initial intent was to develop a laptop for as low as $10. But, getting it that cheap was not exactly possible, and hence the government decided to subsidize the product by paying $45 to Datawind for each tablet, especially for its distribution among teachers and students.

The device is powered by "Android", and offers a colorful and sensitive 7-inch touchscreen. It is efficient in managing basic computing functions like using word processor, browsing the web, and even video conferencing.

Weighing no more than 350 grams, the tablet supports 256MB of RAM, two USB slots, and an expandable memory of up to 32GB. In addition, it will provide replacement warranty for 12 months, and will supports variety of file formats such as DOCX, PPTX, PDF, MP3, etc. Aakash also has 3.5mm standard audio jack.