Aakash Tablet: Why I REGRET buying it!

More

Flashback again: I remembered those times at the ration shop when I would reach the baniya (grocer) after an hour or two in the line and get my share of subsidised wheat and kerosene. Those behind me had still some hard work to do before they could get their fill.

Reality check: I switched on Aakash. It was working fine. Not as smooth as iPad 2 but then at Rs 2,500 I wasn't expecting the moon.

However, I had not bargained for my happiness not even lasting 30 minutes.

When I tried to enable Wi-Fi Aakash conked off.

It refuses to come to life again. For the last forty-eight hours I have been trying my best with generous help from my computer engineer friends to restart it.

Aakash has refused to budge.

The icing on the Froyo cake (Aakash runs on Android 2.2): I have been trying to call the help line numbers mentioned in the booklet that is part of the Aakash bundle. I just cannot get through. Why? Those numbers don't exist (Please try, 1 800 180 2180 and a sweet voice says, 'Sorry, your call cannot be processed').

I requested my doubly lucky friend (firstly because he got Aakash and secondly I bought his defective piece) -- the original owner of Aakash -- to send an e-mail complaint. He too failed to elicit any response.

Now, after three days I have realised I have got a piece of junk and it is of no use. I am poorer by Rs 2,700 (Rs 2,500 for buying the revolutionary product and Rs 200 on account of delivery charges) for daring to buy 'the poor man's iPad'.

After my experience I shudder to think about the fate of millions of students across India to whom the government plans to sell Aakash by subsidising it further to Rs 1,500. No doubt the government's intention is noble: It wants to empower students by enjoying the fruit of technology in this digitally competitive world. What if their Aakash moment turns out to be -- as a colleague cleverly punned -- an Ah Kaash (if only I had not bought it) moment!

At the time of writing this piece 14 lakh (1.4 million) Indians had already ordered Aakash online. I don't know how these million units of Aakash would perform but mine went kaput in 30 minutes and is now beyond repair.

Postscript:

As a child, I used to ask my grandfather, why do we need to stand in front of the ration shop in long queues to buy wheat when many others bought it from the open shops.

He told me a very nice story. "We are poor," he had said, "and we should be thankful that the Indian government is at least providing subsidised food to us. Therefore we can afford to eat."

My father a union leader countered him. "The wheat that we eat from ration shops is meant for horses in America. Since those horses don't eat it the American government dumps it on India's poor."

While I didn't buy a subsidised Aakash I can only sincerely wish that mine is a one-off instance and all those students going for government-subsidised Aakash have a smooth ride once they get the device in their hands.

Having said that here's my advice: (excuse me the scream but) DON'T BUY AKASH TABLET. Period.

Read more »

Aakash Tablet: Why I REGRET buying it!

More

Flashback again: I remembered those times at the ration shop when I would reach the baniya (grocer) after an hour or two in the line and get my share of subsidised wheat and kerosene. Those behind me had still some hard work to do before they could get their fill.

Reality check: I switched on Aakash. It was working fine. Not as smooth as iPad 2 but then at Rs 2,500 I wasn't expecting the moon.

However, I had not bargained for my happiness not even lasting 30 minutes.

When I tried to enable Wi-Fi Aakash conked off.

It refuses to come to life again. For the last forty-eight hours I have been trying my best with generous help from my computer engineer friends to restart it.

Aakash has refused to budge.

The icing on the Froyo cake (Aakash runs on Android 2.2): I have been trying to call the help line numbers mentioned in the booklet that is part of the Aakash bundle. I just cannot get through. Why? Those numbers don't exist (Please try, 1 800 180 2180 and a sweet voice says, 'Sorry, your call cannot be processed').

I requested my doubly lucky friend (firstly because he got Aakash and secondly I bought his defective piece) -- the original owner of Aakash -- to send an e-mail complaint. He too failed to elicit any response.

Now, after three days I have realised I have got a piece of junk and it is of no use. I am poorer by Rs 2,700 (Rs 2,500 for buying the revolutionary product and Rs 200 on account of delivery charges) for daring to buy 'the poor man's iPad'.

After my experience I shudder to think about the fate of millions of students across India to whom the government plans to sell Aakash by subsidising it further to Rs 1,500. No doubt the government's intention is noble: It wants to empower students by enjoying the fruit of technology in this digitally competitive world. What if their Aakash moment turns out to be -- as a colleague cleverly punned -- an Ah Kaash (if only I had not bought it) moment!

At the time of writing this piece 14 lakh (1.4 million) Indians had already ordered Aakash online. I don't know how these million units of Aakash would perform but mine went kaput in 30 minutes and is now beyond repair.

Postscript:

As a child, I used to ask my grandfather, why do we need to stand in front of the ration shop in long queues to buy wheat when many others bought it from the open shops.

He told me a very nice story. "We are poor," he had said, "and we should be thankful that the Indian government is at least providing subsidised food to us. Therefore we can afford to eat."

My father a union leader countered him. "The wheat that we eat from ration shops is meant for horses in America. Since those horses don't eat it the American government dumps it on India's poor."

While I didn't buy a subsidised Aakash I can only sincerely wish that mine is a one-off instance and all those students going for government-subsidised Aakash have a smooth ride once they get the device in their hands.

Having said that here's my advice: (excuse me the scream but) DON'T BUY AKASH TABLET. Period.

Read more »

Aakash Tablet: Why I REGRET buying it!

More

Flashback again: I remembered those times at the ration shop when I would reach the baniya (grocer) after an hour or two in the line and get my share of subsidised wheat and kerosene. Those behind me had still some hard work to do before they could get their fill.

Reality check: I switched on Aakash. It was working fine. Not as smooth as iPad 2 but then at Rs 2,500 I wasn't expecting the moon.

However, I had not bargained for my happiness not even lasting 30 minutes.

When I tried to enable Wi-Fi Aakash conked off.

It refuses to come to life again. For the last forty-eight hours I have been trying my best with generous help from my computer engineer friends to restart it.

Aakash has refused to budge.

The icing on the Froyo cake (Aakash runs on Android 2.2): I have been trying to call the help line numbers mentioned in the booklet that is part of the Aakash bundle. I just cannot get through. Why? Those numbers don't exist (Please try, 1 800 180 2180 and a sweet voice says, 'Sorry, your call cannot be processed').

I requested my doubly lucky friend (firstly because he got Aakash and secondly I bought his defective piece) -- the original owner of Aakash -- to send an e-mail complaint. He too failed to elicit any response.

Now, after three days I have realised I have got a piece of junk and it is of no use. I am poorer by Rs 2,700 (Rs 2,500 for buying the revolutionary product and Rs 200 on account of delivery charges) for daring to buy 'the poor man's iPad'.

After my experience I shudder to think about the fate of millions of students across India to whom the government plans to sell Aakash by subsidising it further to Rs 1,500. No doubt the government's intention is noble: It wants to empower students by enjoying the fruit of technology in this digitally competitive world. What if their Aakash moment turns out to be -- as a colleague cleverly punned -- an Ah Kaash (if only I had not bought it) moment!

At the time of writing this piece 14 lakh (1.4 million) Indians had already ordered Aakash online. I don't know how these million units of Aakash would perform but mine went kaput in 30 minutes and is now beyond repair.

Postscript:

As a child, I used to ask my grandfather, why do we need to stand in front of the ration shop in long queues to buy wheat when many others bought it from the open shops.

He told me a very nice story. "We are poor," he had said, "and we should be thankful that the Indian government is at least providing subsidised food to us. Therefore we can afford to eat."

My father a union leader countered him. "The wheat that we eat from ration shops is meant for horses in America. Since those horses don't eat it the American government dumps it on India's poor."

While I didn't buy a subsidised Aakash I can only sincerely wish that mine is a one-off instance and all those students going for government-subsidised Aakash have a smooth ride once they get the device in their hands.

Having said that here's my advice: (excuse me the scream but) DON'T BUY AKASH TABLET. Period.

Read more »

10 reasons why Aakash tablet can be a failure

New Delhi: Days after the big bang launch of the Aakash Tablet by the government doubts are being raised over its efficiency and durability. If experts of the industry are to be believed, technical flaws, no hands-on experience, and the total cost of procuring it make the much-hyped gadget a disappointment for the buyers. The after sale report about the Aakash Tablet are extremely disappointing and those who bought the low cost gadget have only one reason to be happy- they are the privileged early users of the gadget.

During its launch, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said, “To improve the system of education in India. 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.”

Ironically, days after its launch doubts are being raised whether Aakash Tablet will really serve the purpose, whether it can aid students and improve the quality of education in the country. However, unfazed by the negative outlook surrounding the ‘fully sold-out low cost gadget’, its makers (Datawind) are preparing to launch the next version of it, the Ubislate Plus, which will have a few better specifications.

According to experts, the new version will have a look similar to the Chinese tablets and have the SIM card option.

Pricing: For those who think that Aakash comes at an astonishing low price-is really cheap, here are some figures:

Tablet cost – Rs 2500
Shipping cost – Rs. 200
A 4GB or 8GB MicroSD card – Rs 500 to Rs 800
No earphones given, purchase one – At least Rs. 400
Total: Rs 4000

Faulty Processor: The gadget may not be able to perform multiple tasks because the Android OS application would require enough memory to run a few applications and graphics. This can be understood from the fact that the cheapest Android mobiles from ‘Spice’ are equipped with 600 MHz processor, whereas the Aakash has just 336 MHz processor. So, half of it would always be kept on use for just running the OS.

Low memory + short storage = no entertainment: Aakash tablet can’t store heavy files and large number of songs since it has less video storage capacity. Although, the tablet’s memory can be expanded to 32GB but that would require more cash spending since a MicroSD card of 8GB is available for a price of around Rs 800 to 1000, making the cost of gadget exceed Rs 2500, as fixed by the government. 

Low battery, 2100 mAh: Experts say the Aakash Tablet does not have a powerful battery backup either. A longer lasting battery is important for a hassle free experience on a gadget like Aakash with comparatively big screen. This is significant since cheaper Android phone available in market come with a 1500 mAh battery, for mere 3 to 3.5-inch screens.

In such a case, most of the battery would be drained from that 2100 mAh capacity to just run the Aakash tablet. Although, the Datawind claims Aaakash has 180 minutes of power backup, but the firm fails to mention what kind of usage is possible with it. It the firm tries to limit the storage, its low processor will slow down the web browsing and reading, but can make the battery last for a max of 3 hours.

Poor display, reflects light: Aakash tablet’s screen resolution is very poor as its basic display has no High Definition output. Its screen reflects the light, and at its maximum brightness too, the tablet won’t be able to display the stuff well in the bright conditions. So, this restricts the use to use the tablet in a closed area, not under the sun.

Touchscreen is resistive, but too resistive: Unlike other sophisticated gadgets, Aakash’ touchscreen feature is said to be too resistive during a push and drag sequence or to select an icon or browsing through other applications.

Heating up quickly: The processor installed in Aakash is heating up too quickly, experts say, as it is over-burdened to sustain speed needed to multitask. The tablet gets heated up within an hour of continuous usage, which has been confirmed through actual users who tried using the Wi-Fi and browsing the web for an hour.

No Bluetooth support: Aakash Tablets lack support for a USB dongle, unlike other high-tech devices like Ainol Novo 7 tablet that comes with the price of USD 100 and has support for any USB dongle. This feature enables the dongle to use any 3G SIM for the network connection.

No Android Market, no application upgrade: The Aakash Tablet misses the Android marketplace and that limits the usage to the given apps. Those who know how to get things done on it would try to install it separately, but the target buyers (in the rural areas) may have little knowledge of Androids.

Hardware won’t support upgrades: If at all you are trying to use your skills, and install 3rd party applications, the fact remains that many of the latest applications would need the latest Android OS, at least the gingerbread 2.3 version. But with the 366 MHz processor, upgrade would be difficult too.

Wi-Fi connectivity and poor network in India: With Aakash Tablet having the Wi-Fi option, poor connectivity is going to be a big impediment for users in rural areas.  Even the major Metropolitan cities in India struggle in providing Wi-Fi networks through the service providers, so one can easily imagine how will the users get the Wi-Fi network in rural areas?

No external speakers: As there is no external speakers connected to the device. Audio would need earphones and that would cost money.

Read more »

10 reasons why Aakash tablet can be a failure

New Delhi: Days after the big bang launch of the Aakash Tablet by the government doubts are being raised over its efficiency and durability. If experts of the industry are to be believed, technical flaws, no hands-on experience, and the total cost of procuring it make the much-hyped gadget a disappointment for the buyers. The after sale report about the Aakash Tablet are extremely disappointing and those who bought the low cost gadget have only one reason to be happy- they are the privileged early users of the gadget.

During its launch, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said, “To improve the system of education in India. 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.”

Ironically, days after its launch doubts are being raised whether Aakash Tablet will really serve the purpose, whether it can aid students and improve the quality of education in the country. However, unfazed by the negative outlook surrounding the ‘fully sold-out low cost gadget’, its makers (Datawind) are preparing to launch the next version of it, the Ubislate Plus, which will have a few better specifications.

According to experts, the new version will have a look similar to the Chinese tablets and have the SIM card option.

Pricing: For those who think that Aakash comes at an astonishing low price-is really cheap, here are some figures:

Tablet cost – Rs 2500
Shipping cost – Rs. 200
A 4GB or 8GB MicroSD card – Rs 500 to Rs 800
No earphones given, purchase one – At least Rs. 400
Total: Rs 4000

Faulty Processor: The gadget may not be able to perform multiple tasks because the Android OS application would require enough memory to run a few applications and graphics. This can be understood from the fact that the cheapest Android mobiles from ‘Spice’ are equipped with 600 MHz processor, whereas the Aakash has just 336 MHz processor. So, half of it would always be kept on use for just running the OS.

Low memory + short storage = no entertainment: Aakash tablet can’t store heavy files and large number of songs since it has less video storage capacity. Although, the tablet’s memory can be expanded to 32GB but that would require more cash spending since a MicroSD card of 8GB is available for a price of around Rs 800 to 1000, making the cost of gadget exceed Rs 2500, as fixed by the government. 

Low battery, 2100 mAh: Experts say the Aakash Tablet does not have a powerful battery backup either. A longer lasting battery is important for a hassle free experience on a gadget like Aakash with comparatively big screen. This is significant since cheaper Android phone available in market come with a 1500 mAh battery, for mere 3 to 3.5-inch screens.

In such a case, most of the battery would be drained from that 2100 mAh capacity to just run the Aakash tablet. Although, the Datawind claims Aaakash has 180 minutes of power backup, but the firm fails to mention what kind of usage is possible with it. It the firm tries to limit the storage, its low processor will slow down the web browsing and reading, but can make the battery last for a max of 3 hours.

Poor display, reflects light: Aakash tablet’s screen resolution is very poor as its basic display has no High Definition output. Its screen reflects the light, and at its maximum brightness too, the tablet won’t be able to display the stuff well in the bright conditions. So, this restricts the use to use the tablet in a closed area, not under the sun.

Touchscreen is resistive, but too resistive: Unlike other sophisticated gadgets, Aakash’ touchscreen feature is said to be too resistive during a push and drag sequence or to select an icon or browsing through other applications.

Heating up quickly: The processor installed in Aakash is heating up too quickly, experts say, as it is over-burdened to sustain speed needed to multitask. The tablet gets heated up within an hour of continuous usage, which has been confirmed through actual users who tried using the Wi-Fi and browsing the web for an hour.

No Bluetooth support: Aakash Tablets lack support for a USB dongle, unlike other high-tech devices like Ainol Novo 7 tablet that comes with the price of USD 100 and has support for any USB dongle. This feature enables the dongle to use any 3G SIM for the network connection.

No Android Market, no application upgrade: The Aakash Tablet misses the Android marketplace and that limits the usage to the given apps. Those who know how to get things done on it would try to install it separately, but the target buyers (in the rural areas) may have little knowledge of Androids.

Hardware won’t support upgrades: If at all you are trying to use your skills, and install 3rd party applications, the fact remains that many of the latest applications would need the latest Android OS, at least the gingerbread 2.3 version. But with the 366 MHz processor, upgrade would be difficult too.

Wi-Fi connectivity and poor network in India: With Aakash Tablet having the Wi-Fi option, poor connectivity is going to be a big impediment for users in rural areas.  Even the major Metropolitan cities in India struggle in providing Wi-Fi networks through the service providers, so one can easily imagine how will the users get the Wi-Fi network in rural areas?

No external speakers: As there is no external speakers connected to the device. Audio would need earphones and that would cost money.

Read more »

10 reasons why Aakash tablet can be a failure

New Delhi: Days after the big bang launch of the Aakash Tablet by the government doubts are being raised over its efficiency and durability. If experts of the industry are to be believed, technical flaws, no hands-on experience, and the total cost of procuring it make the much-hyped gadget a disappointment for the buyers. The after sale report about the Aakash Tablet are extremely disappointing and those who bought the low cost gadget have only one reason to be happy- they are the privileged early users of the gadget.

During its launch, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said, “To improve the system of education in India. 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.”

Ironically, days after its launch doubts are being raised whether Aakash Tablet will really serve the purpose, whether it can aid students and improve the quality of education in the country. However, unfazed by the negative outlook surrounding the ‘fully sold-out low cost gadget’, its makers (Datawind) are preparing to launch the next version of it, the Ubislate Plus, which will have a few better specifications.

According to experts, the new version will have a look similar to the Chinese tablets and have the SIM card option.

Pricing: For those who think that Aakash comes at an astonishing low price-is really cheap, here are some figures:

Tablet cost – Rs 2500
Shipping cost – Rs. 200
A 4GB or 8GB MicroSD card – Rs 500 to Rs 800
No earphones given, purchase one – At least Rs. 400
Total: Rs 4000

Faulty Processor: The gadget may not be able to perform multiple tasks because the Android OS application would require enough memory to run a few applications and graphics. This can be understood from the fact that the cheapest Android mobiles from ‘Spice’ are equipped with 600 MHz processor, whereas the Aakash has just 336 MHz processor. So, half of it would always be kept on use for just running the OS.

Low memory + short storage = no entertainment: Aakash tablet can’t store heavy files and large number of songs since it has less video storage capacity. Although, the tablet’s memory can be expanded to 32GB but that would require more cash spending since a MicroSD card of 8GB is available for a price of around Rs 800 to 1000, making the cost of gadget exceed Rs 2500, as fixed by the government. 

Low battery, 2100 mAh: Experts say the Aakash Tablet does not have a powerful battery backup either. A longer lasting battery is important for a hassle free experience on a gadget like Aakash with comparatively big screen. This is significant since cheaper Android phone available in market come with a 1500 mAh battery, for mere 3 to 3.5-inch screens.

In such a case, most of the battery would be drained from that 2100 mAh capacity to just run the Aakash tablet. Although, the Datawind claims Aaakash has 180 minutes of power backup, but the firm fails to mention what kind of usage is possible with it. It the firm tries to limit the storage, its low processor will slow down the web browsing and reading, but can make the battery last for a max of 3 hours.

Poor display, reflects light: Aakash tablet’s screen resolution is very poor as its basic display has no High Definition output. Its screen reflects the light, and at its maximum brightness too, the tablet won’t be able to display the stuff well in the bright conditions. So, this restricts the use to use the tablet in a closed area, not under the sun.

Touchscreen is resistive, but too resistive: Unlike other sophisticated gadgets, Aakash’ touchscreen feature is said to be too resistive during a push and drag sequence or to select an icon or browsing through other applications.

Heating up quickly: The processor installed in Aakash is heating up too quickly, experts say, as it is over-burdened to sustain speed needed to multitask. The tablet gets heated up within an hour of continuous usage, which has been confirmed through actual users who tried using the Wi-Fi and browsing the web for an hour.

No Bluetooth support: Aakash Tablets lack support for a USB dongle, unlike other high-tech devices like Ainol Novo 7 tablet that comes with the price of USD 100 and has support for any USB dongle. This feature enables the dongle to use any 3G SIM for the network connection.

No Android Market, no application upgrade: The Aakash Tablet misses the Android marketplace and that limits the usage to the given apps. Those who know how to get things done on it would try to install it separately, but the target buyers (in the rural areas) may have little knowledge of Androids.

Hardware won’t support upgrades: If at all you are trying to use your skills, and install 3rd party applications, the fact remains that many of the latest applications would need the latest Android OS, at least the gingerbread 2.3 version. But with the 366 MHz processor, upgrade would be difficult too.

Wi-Fi connectivity and poor network in India: With Aakash Tablet having the Wi-Fi option, poor connectivity is going to be a big impediment for users in rural areas.  Even the major Metropolitan cities in India struggle in providing Wi-Fi networks through the service providers, so one can easily imagine how will the users get the Wi-Fi network in rural areas?

No external speakers: As there is no external speakers connected to the device. Audio would need earphones and that would cost money.

Read more »

Aakash gets company: Classpad tablet

The low cost tablet for students is costlier than Aakash tablet but said to have better features.

Close on the heels of launch of low-cost Aakash tablet, another such tablet for students has been announced in India. The Android tablet, named Classpad, has been announced by Delhi-based Classteacher Learning Systems, an education solution provider.

Classpad tablet, which is meant for students between 3 and 12, comes with a capacitive touchscreen, 1.3 Ghz processor, Android 2.2 operating system and a built-in memory of 4 GB which is expandable up to 8 GB.

Classpad, priced in the range of Rs 7,500-14,000, will be available for students through their schools in three models - Classpad 7, Classpad 8 and Classpad 10.

Talking to The Mobile Indian, Rohit Pande, chief executive officer, Classteacher Learning Systems said, "Our core area of expertise are education related material and through Classpad we wanted to bring students to the information highway.”

"Classpad's user friendly interface makes it convenient for the students and teachers to get acquainted with the application. It is equipped with software that is designed to integrate smoothly with an existing school platform. Classpad tablet provides the content in a 'school friendly' manner by supporting commonly used school applications,” said the company in a press release.

"Classpad can save, edit and transfer files back to server. Teacher can use white board to display data transmitted by Classpad on White Board,” added the release.

Classpad has claimed to have better touchscreen compared to that of Aakash and has a better battery life of more than six hours. So far it has been made available to 1,500 students across different schools and the company can readily make arrangement for delivery of 2,000 more tablets.

Pande said, "Within one month we start booking tablets for the masses and it will be have better configuration.”

He also said , " If other tablet players like Aakash and Samsung come out with tablets that have decent specification in terms of hardware and are affordable we will explore tie up with them so that we don't have to worry about the hardware and concentrate on we do the best that's education content.”

Tags: ANDROID TABLET, CLASSPAD, AAKASH, LOW COST TABLET, STUDENTS TABLET

Sell your second hand mobile here! 

Read more »

Aakash gets company: Classpad tablet

The low cost tablet for students is costlier than Aakash tablet but said to have better features.

Close on the heels of launch of low-cost Aakash tablet, another such tablet for students has been announced in India. The Android tablet, named Classpad, has been announced by Delhi-based Classteacher Learning Systems, an education solution provider.

Classpad tablet, which is meant for students between 3 and 12, comes with a capacitive touchscreen, 1.3 Ghz processor, Android 2.2 operating system and a built-in memory of 4 GB which is expandable up to 8 GB.

Classpad, priced in the range of Rs 7,500-14,000, will be available for students through their schools in three models - Classpad 7, Classpad 8 and Classpad 10.

Talking to The Mobile Indian, Rohit Pande, chief executive officer, Classteacher Learning Systems said, "Our core area of expertise are education related material and through Classpad we wanted to bring students to the information highway.”

"Classpad's user friendly interface makes it convenient for the students and teachers to get acquainted with the application. It is equipped with software that is designed to integrate smoothly with an existing school platform. Classpad tablet provides the content in a 'school friendly' manner by supporting commonly used school applications,” said the company in a press release.

"Classpad can save, edit and transfer files back to server. Teacher can use white board to display data transmitted by Classpad on White Board,” added the release.

Classpad has claimed to have better touchscreen compared to that of Aakash and has a better battery life of more than six hours. So far it has been made available to 1,500 students across different schools and the company can readily make arrangement for delivery of 2,000 more tablets.

Pande said, "Within one month we start booking tablets for the masses and it will be have better configuration.”

He also said , " If other tablet players like Aakash and Samsung come out with tablets that have decent specification in terms of hardware and are affordable we will explore tie up with them so that we don't have to worry about the hardware and concentrate on we do the best that's education content.”

Tags: ANDROID TABLET, CLASSPAD, AAKASH, LOW COST TABLET, STUDENTS TABLET

Sell your second hand mobile here! 

Read more »

Aakash gets company: Classpad tablet

The low cost tablet for students is costlier than Aakash tablet but said to have better features.

Close on the heels of launch of low-cost Aakash tablet, another such tablet for students has been announced in India. The Android tablet, named Classpad, has been announced by Delhi-based Classteacher Learning Systems, an education solution provider.

Classpad tablet, which is meant for students between 3 and 12, comes with a capacitive touchscreen, 1.3 Ghz processor, Android 2.2 operating system and a built-in memory of 4 GB which is expandable up to 8 GB.

Classpad, priced in the range of Rs 7,500-14,000, will be available for students through their schools in three models - Classpad 7, Classpad 8 and Classpad 10.

Talking to The Mobile Indian, Rohit Pande, chief executive officer, Classteacher Learning Systems said, "Our core area of expertise are education related material and through Classpad we wanted to bring students to the information highway.”

"Classpad's user friendly interface makes it convenient for the students and teachers to get acquainted with the application. It is equipped with software that is designed to integrate smoothly with an existing school platform. Classpad tablet provides the content in a 'school friendly' manner by supporting commonly used school applications,” said the company in a press release.

"Classpad can save, edit and transfer files back to server. Teacher can use white board to display data transmitted by Classpad on White Board,” added the release.

Classpad has claimed to have better touchscreen compared to that of Aakash and has a better battery life of more than six hours. So far it has been made available to 1,500 students across different schools and the company can readily make arrangement for delivery of 2,000 more tablets.

Pande said, "Within one month we start booking tablets for the masses and it will be have better configuration.”

He also said , " If other tablet players like Aakash and Samsung come out with tablets that have decent specification in terms of hardware and are affordable we will explore tie up with them so that we don't have to worry about the hardware and concentrate on we do the best that's education content.”

Tags: ANDROID TABLET, CLASSPAD, AAKASH, LOW COST TABLET, STUDENTS TABLET

Sell your second hand mobile here! 

Read more »