ntel showcases prototypes of Atom-based devices...

Indian consumers could look forward to Internet-centric desktop devices, that would support basic computing such as Word and Excel, e-mails, casual gaming and Net capabilities, at a price point starting at Rs 5,000 over the coming months. Chip-maker Intel which launched its smallest processor ‘Atom’ earlier this year, showcased on Thursday prototypes of such affordable devices.

“The prototypes have been assembled by the Genuine Intel Dealers (GIDs), but going forward such Internet-centric desktop versions can be made available at price point starting from Rs 5,000, leveraging existing display devices and by adding keyboard and mouse,” Mr Prakash Bagri, Director Marketing, Intel, South Asia, said.

At present, an assembled unbranded entry-level personal computer is priced at over Rs 12,000-13,000. In 2005, HCL Infosystems had launched a fully functional PC for Rs 9,990 that supported applications such as word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, Web browsers, e-mail and video conferencing. On similar lines, Xenitis also has PCs below Rs 10,000 range.

However, the new Atom processor is purpose-built for ‘Nettops’ and ‘Netbooks’, a new category of simple and affordable devices for the Internet. OEM vendors currently marketing Intel Atom-based Nettops are HCL, Wipro and Zenith – HCL’s Neutron desktop is priced at Rs 16,666. In addition, Nettop models have been launched by its channel partners such as Maxtone, Vardhaman and Intex. Netbooks are today available from HCL, Wipro, Acer and Asus. Others such as Lenovo and LG are expected to launch them during Diwali.

Intel also announced the launch of an industry-wide movement “Connected Indians” where Government, industry associations and private enterprises have come together for a common cause of connecting a billion Indians. Supporting the initiative are industry-wide alliances.

NIIT alliance

The Intel-NIIT alliance would see NIIT lending support to the movement through its reach to proliferate the benefits of Internet education to citizens through a special course on Internet education and PC fundamentals which would be made accessible at NIIT centres across the country. In addition, Intel and BSNL have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would jointly propagate broadband Internet across the country along with wireless solution such as WiMax.

Source: Business Line