Cheapest laptop

HCL Infosystems today launched MiLeap – a fully functional, portable range of laptops that sport a starting price tag of Rs 13,990. Slated to be the world’s cheapest ultra-portable laptops (Allied Computers announced laptops priced at Rs 14,999 a couple of days back), the MiLeap would be available in two series, X and Y, at a starting price of Rs 13,990 and Rs 29,990 respectively. The X series would have both flash-based and disk-based storage options, with a Linux-based operating system. The most expensive model of the series would be available at Rs 16,990. The high-end Y series (from Rs 29,990-39,990) would have multiple navigational features such as touch screen, thumboard, stylus, keyboard and touch buttons, with Windows Vista (Home) as the operating system. Both the models have network ports, are Wi-Fi ready, have an option for a data card and are available with GUI-enabled, user friendly Linux operating system. Weighing less than a kilogram, the MiLeap laptops have a 7-inch screen and are equipped with an Intel processor. The company would start shipping the units on January 26 and these would be available at all HCL retail outlets and distribution centres. “We will manufacture these PCs at our two plants in India. Initially, we will utilise our Pondicherry plant, beyond which we will use our plant in Uttarakhand,” said George Paul, associate vice-president - Marketing, HCL Infosystems. “If the demand for the laptops rises, we are open to scaling up through a new centre,” he added. “With a legacy of having pioneered India’s first micro-computer, the country’s first desktop PC and the first home PC, this revolutionary range of ultra portable ‘MiLeap’ laptops will herald in a new category of computing devices, opening up a wide range of new usage scenarios and application areas,” said Ajai Chowdhry, chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems.