India's $35 tablet reportedly delayed
updated 04:10 pm EST, Thu January 20, 2011
India's $35 tablet indefinitely delayed
India's $35 tablet has suffered a delay, according to a report from New Delhi. The initial government-issued tender has been cancelled, as the vendor who won it failed to get a bank guarantee. The device, called Sakshat or "before your eyes," was expected to come out on January 15.
With its failure to secure the bank guarantee, the initial vendor, HCL Infosystems, didn't meet the requirements and would put the government at risk in case it failed to deliver.
"Yes, we have re-issued a new tender. The matter will be sorted out in a few weeks," the unnamed government official told the Economic Times.
The initial order is for 100,000 tablets, powered by Google's Android. The government earmarked $6.5 million for the project. A source close to the project claimed the vendor disagreed with the financial costs of components, which is what led to the cancellation of the tender.
The tablet was originally to have 2GB of storage, Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port and use just 2 watts of power. Many analysts believe components alone would cost more than $35 and the suppliers would need to be subsidized before they could meet the prices needed to hit the target.
