New Delhi: Computing giant Apple Computer Inc. had come up with the much-awaited gadget, the iPad tablet, earlier in April this year. Now, the Indian government has introduced its own version of a tablet computer, which might look similar to the Apple iPad, but differs immensely in its utility and functionality.

Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Kapil Sibal had unveiled the eagerly awaited $35 (Rs.1500) "laptop", or more accurately, a computing-cum-access device named Sakshat, on July 22. The low price of the gadget, which happens to be its USP, is expected to be brought further down to about $10 (Rs.500).

Designed by the students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Rajasthan as well as students from other IITs and technical institutions, the computing and access device has been specially made keeping the interests of students from all walks of the society in mind.

The main features of the Linux-based Sakshat according to the HRD Ministry include Wifi Connectivity / Internet Browsing, PDF Reader, Open Office, Touchscreen ability, Remote Device Management Capability, Multimedia input-output interface option, Built-in keyboard, 2 GB RAM and a USB Port.

The aim which the government had kept in mind while designing and developing the device was to provide students from colleges and universities all across the nation with a choice of a low-cost computing device that would be a useful aid in their education. Considering the functionalities and the price of the device, the government might find it a tough job to prevent the device from suffering technical and hardware glitches that might prove to be a hindrance to its performance.

A low cost means that the device has been made from low price materials and components. As such, this might spell doom for the device if the quality of the product does not match up to its various market competitors (computers, laptops and even mobile phones), regardless of their high price.

As the government is still working on improving and adding several features to the device, it is important that the device be devoid of problems in its design and components and that it is well-guarded from bugs and glitches.

While it is difficult to say as of now whether the device will be able to fulfill its aim of being a useful educational tool for students, it can be said that the measure taken by the HRD ministry is definitely a step towards development. With the current educational reforms that are going on in our country, the need for scientific and infrastructural growth for students is something that our nation desperately needs.

The government has invested quite a large sum of money into the project. If the device succeeds in improving the quality of education for students in India, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, it would be a huge achievement for not only the government, but also our nation's premier engineering institutes that have designed the computing device.

Written by - Neha Chander (NNE)