India’s $20 laptop
Tomorrow, India will unveil a prototype of the new “Sakshat” laptop, a $20 machine that is reportedly equipped with wireless connectivity and 2GB of memory. If this laptop is indeed commercially viable — which is a big “if” given the current financial climate — the Sakshat’s bargain basement price will almost certainly undercut the $100 ...
Tomorrow, India will unveil a prototype of the new "Sakshat" laptop, a $20 machine that is reportedly equipped with wireless connectivity and 2GB of memory. If this laptop is indeed commercially viable -- which is a big "if" given the current financial climate -- the Sakshat's bargain basement price will almost certainly undercut the $100 educational laptop initiative launched by former MIT computer scientist Nicolas Negroponte, whose One Laptop Per Child program left Indian bureaucrats a little chilly in the past.
Tomorrow, India will unveil a prototype of the new “Sakshat” laptop, a $20 machine that is reportedly equipped with wireless connectivity and 2GB of memory. If this laptop is indeed commercially viable — which is a big “if” given the current financial climate — the Sakshat’s bargain basement price will almost certainly undercut the $100 educational laptop initiative launched by former MIT computer scientist Nicolas Negroponte, whose One Laptop Per Child program left Indian bureaucrats a little chilly in the past.
The big question is, will the Sakshat go the way of the Tata Nano? Just today, Reuters India reported that fourth quarter losses have caused the Indian car company Tata to table its rollout of the $2,500 Nano for the foreseeable future. Given that the Sakshat laptop currently has no commercial manufacturing partner — only a prototype of the machine goes on display at the National Mission on Education tomorrow — perhaps Negroponte can rest easy. At least for now.
More from Foreign Policy
A New Multilateralism
How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.
America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want
Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.
The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy
Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.
The End of America’s Middle East
The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.