Ahmedabad: Your dream of owning a functional computer for as low as Rs10,000 may soon turn into reality. US-based company, Soma Network, is locally developing what is called 'always on internet access device' (IAD) or a netbook.

As it is devoid of accessories, the device uses online applications for all purposes, thus requiring not even a hard disc or pricey software, which beings down the cost. The netbook will be highly customisable as per users' requirement. The company intends to launch the embedded device in Gujarat in next few months.

Recently, Soma Networks in association with BSNL, Gujarat, had launched WiMax in twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and in the GIDC industrial estates. It is now spreading its network across the state including far-flung places like Mundra in Kutch by year end.
Having established high-speed broadband network it will enable the company to ensure that the device is a success in the market, according to Mayur Tanna, vice-president, sales and marketing, Soma Networks.

Explaining the intricacies of the device, Tanna said that as the device is perpetually connected to internet, it has no need for a hard disc. The device, which the company internally has named as SNAP, will use flash memory instead.

Similarly, the operating system and office suite will all be open sources. It will consist of a monitor and basic input peripherals like keyboard and mouse. There will be no CPU, as monitor will carry processor and other important components embedded. What's more, the device will allow the user to connect their laptop to it, working as a modem to connect to the net. It will also give an option of saving some selected songs and other data, though limited.

In addition, the device will be highly customised to make it suit users' needs. For example, for an investor it will have icons that will take the user directly to related website or data. As far as saving personal documents, numerous website offer free space, the company official said.

Source:DNA India