HCL, AMD unveil Rs 9,990 PC

Heralding a new era of low-cost computing with full functionality, IT company HCL Infosystem in partnership with Microsoft and microprocessor company AMD on Thursday launched a sub-Rs 10,000 computer.

IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran launched a ready-to-use HCL EzeeBee PC with Linux operating system for Rs 9,990. The computer would cost Rs 11,240 if bundled with Microsoft's Window's XP Starter Edition.

This is the third sub-Rs 10,000 PC launched in the country, so far and the second from the HCL stable.

Last month, the company had announced the launch of a 1 Ghz processor PC, priced similarly.

Another company Xentis has also launched a below Rs 10,000 PC. The PC is based on 1.6 Ghz processor from AMD and will offer browsing on the Internet, CD-ROM usage, 40 GB storage capacity, multimedia applications like games and broadband connectivity.

Welcoming the joint initiative, Maran said: "We have low penetration -- 810,000 in the last quarter. This has to increase to fuel Internet and broadband growth. Along with affordable broadband solutions from BSNL at Rs 150 a month and with XP Starter Edition, the PC can be used as a vehicle to increase broadband penetration."

He said Microsoft would ealry next year bring out a special bilingual edition of its Windows Starter pack for the Indian users. (PTI)

(Above) Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran unveiling the new HCL-AMD affordable computer in New Delhi on Thursday. The PC is available at Rs 9,990. With a Microsoft XP Starter edition bundled along, the PC will cost Rs 11,240.
Photograph; Sondeep Shankar/ Saab Pictures