what is a Simputer?
what exactly is the Simputer? Put quite simply, it is more complex and powerful than a palm top.
For example, in terms of screen size (320x240), memory capabilities (32MB RAM) and the OS (GNU/Linux). It runs on an Intel strong-arm chip. The chip is known for its low power consumption.
The Simputer runs on three AAA batteries or off the mains. It can also use rechargeable batteries, but the charger is not built in.
Thus, the Simputer is basically a low-cost computer with multiple connectivity options. It will be modular and based entirely on free software from the Open Source Initiative. Its primary input will be a touch-sensitive overlay on the LCD display panel.
The primary application interface would be a browser that can render the Information Markup Language. IML is a new XML application being designed specifically for handheld devices like the Simputer. The use of XML-based language is in line with the philosophy of utilising global Internet standards
The brains behind the concept
A small group of scientists of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and some engineering professionals from the firm Encore Software have designed this simple device, and set up a trust to take it to the world.
This device, called a Simputer, will be launched formally on April 25 in Bangalore.
This gadget is not a PC. It is a simplified device more like a pocket computer. What distinguishes it from other hand-held devices is its smart card reader.
Besides, it also has an Information Markup Language that is, amongst other thing, smart card aware. It will also have the use of extensive audio in the form of text-to-speech and audio snippets.
An important feature of the Simputer is the SmartCard Reader/Writer. The smart card is emerging as a credible delivery vehicle for financial transactions on the Internet and has become an important tool for electronic commerce.
The incorporation of a smart card reader/writer in the Simputer will, therefore, increase the functionality of the mobile device for deployment of a richer set of value-added services, including services such as home banking through personal ATMs and home shopping.
The Simputer is aimed to be a shared computing device for a local community of users -- such as the village panchayat or the village school or a kiosk or a shopkeeper. Thus, it should be personalised for individual use on a changing basis. The smart card is again the basic method by which this device can be personalised.
A user s individual profile can be stored on a smart card, which he can carry around with him. Once inserted into the smart card interface, the Simputer will read the profile from the smart card and also update changes if any, during the current transaction cycle.
The Simputer project was conceived during the organisation of an international seminar on information technology for developing countries, conducted during Bangalore IT.com, Karnataka s annual IT trade show, in October 1998
Ease of use
Ease of use has to be an important guiding principle if this device is to gain a substantial measure of popularity. A low-cost version of this device may be targeted to the home user, whereas a slightly higher functionality version can be designed for use in cyber kiosks where people can come in and surf at their convenience.
The Simputer can also be used in schools to allow them to offer Web access to students at relatively low-cost. It can also leverage the pervasiveness of telephone lines and enable users to enjoy a new level of services from their net service providers. This could be in areas as diverse as Web-enabled email access, home banking, home shopping, educational services and new forms of entertainment.
Micheal L Best, research scientists at MIT s famous Media Lab, told rediff.com some time ago that his centre was working on developing a similar device which should cost $50 apiece.So the Simputer is certainly not a unique project globally, although it is certainly new and special to India. Best felt that even that was too high a cost for the target user of such a device, which is basically a poor, rural farmer.
Visualise a farmer in rural Karnataka or in a village in Uttar Pradesh. He has a small portable computer in his hand, with which he listens to a radio broadcast that tells him what the weather should be like over the next two days, and also what crops it might be suitable for. He makes a quick decision, calls up his bank, and arranges for some funds to buy seeds and fertiliser he needs. Then, still using his small, hand-held device, he dials up a Net connection, and looks up some handy tips on how to grow that particular crop.
The cost per piece cannot be exactly estimated now. The designers believe that when the volume of production touches 50,000 pieces, the cost should come down to Rs 9,000 per piece.
