The $35 Tablet Named Aakash, not Sakshat – Features, Specifications

The Indian govt. finally launches the new tablet device, claimed to be the cheapest tablet in the world, named Aakash, which actually was called the HCL Sakshat earlier. It would be available to the college goers as of now, and the prime interest would be on the Engineering students. It is expected with a price tag of $35 but a few sources claim that it would be coming at around $50, which is the cost at which the govt. is ordering the devices in bulk. It aims to link 25,000 colleges and 400 universities through e-learning programme. IBN claims that the tablet would be available in November with a price tag of Rs. 3000, which is still half of the cheapest tablet around with similar configurations. The tablet is being purchased from a company called DataWind in the U.K.

Here are the technical specifications of the Aakash Tablet -

• Android 2.2 Froyo operating system


• 366 Mhz processor


• 7-inch resistive touchscreen display


• Weight of 350 gms


• 256MB RAM and 2GB Flash Memory


• Connectivity and Networking: GPRS and WiFi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g


• PDF viewer, Text editor


• Supported Document formats: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODP


• Peripherals (USB2.0 ports, number): 1 Standard USB port


• Audio out: 3.5mm jack / Audio in: 3.5mm jack


• Memory expandable to 32GB

With most of the basic features available, and the specifications being not too low the Aakash tablet surely would be a hit once it gets a few hands-on. At a function in Delhi in September, HRD Minister Sibal had said, “The tablet would be launched by October in a bid to let children go beyond the boundary of classroom and teachers to acquire knowledge through IT. Soon, a 35 dollar computer will be made available to every child in school. The tablet shall help enhance the quality of learning of children…This is not just a dream, it is a reality.”

The Aakash tablet would be coming in around the month of November and the govt. has made the deal for a limited number of devices initially. The actual details about the tablet and its availability would be updated only when the tablet starts shipping out.