HCL launches tablet PC at Rs 10,490

HCL Infosystems on Thursday launched its seven-inch tablet X1, priced at Rs 10,490, in the Indian market.

Based on the Android 2.3 operating system (OS), the X1 features a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB storage capacity with internal memory of 4 GB (expandable upto 32 GB), a 2 megapixel front camera and supports full HD video and Flash.

"The X1, especially caters to the demands of the Indian customers...The tablet comes loaded with India content and applications along with an integrated back up service with HCL Touch, a 24x7 one touch service facility," HCL Infosystems CEO Harsh Chitale told reporters in New Delhi.

It provides an option of data connectivity through USB dongles as well, he added.

Chitale, however, declined to comment on any sales targets.

HCL Infosystems had forayed into the tablet PC (devices with PC-like functionalities) space in March this year, with the launch of its ME series of devices.

On the application front, the X1 comes pre-loaded with over 34 ready-to-use

applications along with access to ME App store. However, the Android market does not come pre-installed with the device.

The domestic tablet market is flooded with a number of tablets from companies like Apple, Samsung, HTC, Research In Motion and many others.

Earlier this month, the world's cheapest tablet PC named Aakash (priced at just Rs 2,276) was launched by the Indian government as part of its programme to expand education among students through information technology.

However, the category is still at a nascent stage.

According to analysts, sales in the tablet PC segment in India are expected to touch one million units over the next 12 months.

Talking about the demand environment for computers, Chitale said the demand has been slow in the large enterprises and the government segments in the last quarter.

Also, the company has raised prices across all categories of personal computers and laptops in the July-September quarter as a weakening rupee raised input costs, he added.