Now, mobile desktop PCs!

Marking a great leap in the area of computer technology, Indian scientists have come up with new mobile desktop computers which are much cheaper than the currently available products and run on batteries, thus doing away with the need for electricity.

The products have been developed under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative being implemented by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, in partnership with Encore Software Ltd, said Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal in New Delhi on Tuesday.

"The development marks India's leap in the area of IT and PC technology," he said.

What is significant is that these products are suitable for Indian conditions being able to run without electricity, using battery, he said adding market would be created worldwide as millions would like to use affordable products.

The products launched are Mobilis, a Linux-based mobile desktop (which weighs only 750 gms) and two of its variants -- Mobilis Wireless and SofComp, an ultra-compact desktop.

Mobilis, wit a 7.4-inch LCD screen, has a six-hour battery life. It delivers outstanding mobile performance and powerful connectivity options. It comes with an innovative carry-case that, while ingeniously hiding a full size flexible, roll up keyboard when on the move, opens up as a desktop stand, Encore Chairman Vinay L Deshpande said.

Mobilis Wireless additionally offers build-in GPS receiver. Both devices offer integrated smart card read/write capability as well, he said.

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Encore Software Ltd is also the company behind the Simputer, a low-cost PC with multiple connectivity options. The Bangalore-based company that holds one of the two licences for the Simputer, in association with PicoPeta Simputers.

PicoPeta Simputers and Encore Technologies, however, compete with each other and have products that look different. While PicoPeta is looking at retail sales, Encore has limited itself to bulk sales only.

Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal (centre) launching SofComp, a low budget computer designed to be deployed in rural setting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Also seen are Secretary CSIR Dr R A Mashalkar (right) and Vinay Deshpande of SofComp Products. Photograph: Ranjan Basu/ Saab Pictures