Is India's $35 Sakshat Computing Device a Fraud ?

[vijayninel]

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Hey Guys,

A lot of you must have noticed the widespread hype created by the recently announced $35 "Sakshat" computer. I was questioned by some friends as to why I did not post this in our news forum. The reason is that I dont think this project is feasible and is probably a fraud pulled off by our good politicians and bureaucrats.

Today I came across this interesting article on PC world which shares my skepticism of this project. Take a look and let us know what you think.

[dexterboygenius]

So far its only speculation on both ends. As always its better not to jump the gun .. to either celebrate or shun it.

A good point that "No one can manufacture a computer cheaper than China" .. but isn't is likely that the #35 cost is subsidized.
Its what the Sakshat will retail at for consumers and not the manufacturing cost.

Configuration of Sakshat would be, 2 GB of Memory using Memory Card. Wi-Fi enabled Fixed Ethernet capability Linux operating system 2 Watts of power consumption while solar charging and convention battery

An article mentions an initial estimate of $47 for cost of parts.
So far most of the criticism I've read in the media is mostly & purely skepticism backed speculation, surely we can be wiser.

So lets speculate on the positive.

Processor : ARM most likely .. low power
Resistive or Capacitive touch ..???

I'll say 'Good job so far, Mr Sibal' .. now jus keep things on track.

[JD666]

for all we know, it could be sourced from a chinese manufacturer, and then prices reduced due to subsidy. Though the specs and the cost of the hardware itself out do the 35$ price tag.

Actually it can be priced at 5-6,000 rs. Thats atleast how much majority of people spend on cell phones even!

Is there any info on the costings of the project?? ( total investment? cost of components? etc )

[SignOps]

I thought so too. I can take apart the components and sell them for a higher price than the cost of the original whole part. A.K.A Dhirubhai style.

[kauffmann]

10,000 crores - 50% of it subsidised.

Do you really have nothing better to do than question each and every move/motive of the government? Could you possibly stop and think that maybe the government is trying to do something good for the people?



If the government subsidises something for the future of the country, this again is a political move to grab more votes(?) You see, in order for a party to better the country, in order to achieve its vision, it has to stay in power and in order to stay in power, you need votes.

[JD666]

^^ so the project cost is 10,000 crores. It is interesting to see how this pans out. Im hoping it does do some good, so that the inroads of technology to the masses keep on growing.

[m-JeRi]

I dont see the logic behind this, why do that have to make it a 35/25/10$ device.

Heck price it for 100$. By seeing the number of mobiles sold i am very well sure that these will sell like Hot cakes.

Why now they are trying to make it for 10$. or when its in 10$ will it have the same features?.

[vijayninel]

Kauffmann, We have seen several such projects both by private and govt agencies which have failed to deliver. There was a cloud computing project which stored all your data/program online with you having only a barebones computer. This was supposed to sell in the billions. Never reached anywhere.

Even the OLPC project is hardly a success although it is more rooted in reality.

[thebanik]

Originally Posted by kauffmann 10,000 crores - 50% of it subsidised. Do you really have nothing better to do than question each and every move/motive of the government? Could you possibly stop and think that maybe the government is trying to do something good for the people? If the government subsidises something for the future of the country, this again is a political move to grab more votes(?) You see, in order for a party to better the country, in order to achieve its vision, it has to stay in power and in order to stay in power, you need votes.

Kauffman, I wud so like to be an optimist but tell me how many large scale public government projects have been a success??? As a human being its always in our nature to question about whatever we see around, and as an intelligent species we base our conclusions to the various experiences in our life. Again the same question how many selfless projects have u seen by the government successfully conclude that you would NOT question their motives.

[SignOps]

10000 crores. Why doesn't the Govt build more schools with that money?

[blufox]

Kauffy, we appreciate your rage, but this is not future what govt should look into.
i.e meddling into something which is already in place, or if not , demand will put it in place.

Rather, they should fix things which are broken. Do you think kids who do not get proper education or proper meals or medicines need a subsidized brownie point scoring gadget?

What they need is books, education, food, healthcare etc etc.

Seriously give a chance, I will never buy this because I know Gov has its hands on it. I do not trust them much when it comes to technology.

Great gadget for getting into headlines, but is this where the effort and taxpayers money should go?How is govt getting subsidy, because of our taxes and I see this as a worthless futile attempt.

We need roads, populations control and better education system, NOT a cheap iPad look alike, which will solve none.

Consider me pessimist but I stand by what I just farted .

[rpm19050]

kauffie, you can tell shiela dixit and the other UPA folks to stop taxing me left, right and center, and they can distribute this contraption with 100% subisdy if they like.

if they can't stop taxing me, tell them to make sure water doesnt log on roads with just an mm of rain and that i dont have to wait an hour to catch a bus. and that they shouldnt actually narrow down roads horribly for an event that is probably gonna be 10 days long. with most good players not even showing up.

and if they can't pick any of these options, you must shut the fccuk up and let me rant about my money being wasted.

[morgoth]

Don't run it down so soon guys... Even I think it $35 tablet is dud but I think it's better to give these some folks time

[iosoft]

to Indina Politicians: give us iPad for Rs5,000/- take all our Votes

[PoPo]

^ Yeah, they're giving for 1500/- Only thing is that it's Sibal iPAD.