Simputer, hovering between hope and impatience [Linux Journal]

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Aug. 06, 2002

Writing at Linux Journal, Frederick Noronha examines the implications of the Simputer handheld for India as the project nears release . . .

". . . the Simputer's main features . . . include text-to-speech synthesis in Indian languages, a pen-based input method (called tap-a-tap), portable Palm-sized footprint, Linux powered, open hardware licensing and the smart-card interface, among others."

"[DeepRoot Linux CEO Abhas] Abhinav notes that 'the intended use of these features (and hence the Simputer) is in rural areas.... The text-to-speech features, portable size and low power requirements are meant to be of immense use to people in these areas.' Other suggested application are for micro-banking applications, rural commerce and micro-credit applications.

"For all of its promise, Abhinav points out the Simputer would cost Rs 9000 only in quantities of 'hundred thousands'. So, if scale is not attained, he feels the Simputer's utility is likely to be hit by its high price and its low availability of software."

"But he does believe that the Simputer has an edge over other Palmtops. 'Palmtops can't compute in Indian languages because they don't have text-to-speech interfaces for Indian languages', he notes. The Simputer team, however, does have a lot of focus on low-cost, mass-market computing--more than any other project or initiative. This could translate into the spawning of many more similar projects, resulting in greater innovation in this area . . ."

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