Intel to launch sub Rs 10,000 PC

Intel Corporation, in an attempt to bridge the digital divide in the country, is planning to launch a personal computer priced below Rs 10,000 in India by this year-end.

The global IT major is also on track with its earlier announced plans of investing over $1 billion in the country for its research and development (R&D) initiatives. It is also planning to look at newer locations for setting up centres, in addition to its Bangalore facility.

"We are working on the sub-Rs 10,000 PC and expect it to be commercially available by the end of this financial year. The PC will enable India to become one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world," Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice-president and general manager (sales and marketing group), told reporters here today.

He, however, did not provide investments earmarked for the rural PC nor the exact date of launch.

Union IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who was also present, said that the rural PC will go a long way in helping the country tide over the 'digital divide'.

Moreover, this would also enable rural India to cash in on the emerging opportunities in technology and agro sectors across the world. Maran also requested Intel to set up a semi-conductor manufacturing unit in India.

Meanwhile, Intel Technology India President Frank Jones said that the PC apart from being low priced, should also be dust and water resistant and a long battery life. "The company is working on these issues," he said.

Intel is also looking at other locations in India for expansion of its R&D facilities, other than Bangalore . The company would look at setting up test and validation facilities, system software, chip designing and Wi-FI centres.

On the earlier announced plans of investing over $1 billion in India for R&D, Jones said it would be invested over five years and was on "track".

The company was to invest $800 million in R&D and $250 million in its capital planning.

Intel has also launched its duo mobile technology, the key components of which are designed in India, for new generation laptops. About 500 members of Intel India Development Centre have significantly contributed to the duo mobile technology platform.