IIT for rain, shockproof Aakash 2 tablets, Datawind disagrees

Add This To Del.icio.us Share on Facebook StumbleUpon This Add to Technorati Digg This Pin It

Maker of world's cheapest laptop Datawind has declined IIT Rajasthan's new test criterion such as shock and water resistance for Aakash 2 tablets saying these features will make the world's cheapest tablet cost over $1000, defeating its purpose of its price advantage. "We are hopeful that the IIT will reconsider its new test specifications," says Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind. ET has learnt that the Ministry of Human Resource and Development has called for a meeting on Tuesday, to be chaired by a special secretary Ashok Thakur, to sort the issues between IIT Rajasthan and Datawind. The new test criterion proposed by IIT Rajasthan for Aakash 2 includes tablets which can operate at -20 degrees, can withstand sudden and steep drops, and be waterproof in heavy rains. "The features of Aakash cannot be compared to rugged military tablets which may cost over $1500. US military specifications for an educational tablet will not make sense for Indian students," Tuli added. The IIT Rajasthan's new test criterion for Aakash 2 include conditions like water resistance whereby a unit of Aakash tablet should be working, when placed in a rain chamber supplying rain at a rate of no less than 4 inches per hour. Tuli said such test criterion may result in a tablet costing over Rs 1 lakh. An MHRD official told ET that the Ministry was keen on making the cheap tablets reach all 220 million students, and problems if any would be sorted out. Tuli also told ET his company was excited by the tablet, commercial bookings of which have crossed 21 lakh units. IIT Rajasthan refused to comment on the story. IIT Rajasthan is responsible for procuring the Aakash tablets, for Rs 2276 each, under the billion dollar National Mission on Education, run by the MHRD. The first 5-year phase of the mission is ending in March 2012, and funds allocated have to be spent or reverted back to the government by the deadline. Courtesy:ET Share and Care

For Latest Updates Always Visit http://satish24k.blogspot.com/

PrintPDF

For Further Reading,

NEWS, TECHNOLOGY