India hopes to make $10 laptops a reality

4 May 2007, 0253 hrs IST -

NEW DELHI: The Indian HRD ministry's idea of making laptops at $10 is firmly taking shape with two designs already in and public sector undertaking Semiconductor Complex evincing interest to be a part of the project.

So far, the cost of one laptop, after factoring in labour charges, is coming to $47 but the ministry feels the price will come down dramatically considering the fact that the demand would be for one million laptops. "The cost is encouraging and we are hopeful it would come down to $10. We would also look into the possibility of some Indian company manufacturing the parts," an official said.

The two designs with the ministry are from a final year engineering student of Vellore Institute of Technology and a researcher from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Due to reasons of Intellectual Property Rights, being insisted by the two designers, the ministry is not parting with the design except giving out some of the major details.

Ministry sources also say that it has received offers from MNCs, but none of them was adhering to the $10 cost tag. Sources say it would be another two years before the laptops become a reality.

Details at The Times of India

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So does this mean it is possible the Asus Eee will be priced at under $50 in two years time? :)