The Simputer was a self-contained, open hardware Linux-based handheld computer, first released in 2002. Developed in, and primarily distributed within India, the product was envisioned as a low-cost alternative to personal computers. With initial goals of selling 50,000 simputers, the project had sold only about 4,000 units by 2005, and has been called a failure by news sources.[1][2]
The device was designed by the Simputer Trust, a non-profit organization formed in November 1999 by seven Indian scientists and engineers led by Dr. Swami Manohar. The word "Simputer" is an acronym for "simple, inexpensive and multilingual people's computer", and is a trademark of the Simputer Trust. The device includes text-to-speech software and runs the Linuxoperating system. Similar in appearance to the PalmPilot class of handheld computers, the touch sensitive screen is operated on with a stylus; simple handwriting recognition software is provided by the program Tapatap.
The Simputer Trust licensed two manufacturers to build the devices, Encore Software, which has also built the Mobilis for Corporate/Educational purposes and the SATHI for Defence purposes, and PicoPeta Simputers, which released a consumer product named the Amida Simputer.
The Simputer uses the Linuxkernel (2.4.18 Kernel as of July 2005), and the Alchemy Window Manager (only the Amida Simputer). Software packages include: Scheduling, Calendar, Voice Recording and Playback, simple spreadsheet application, Internet and network connectivity, Web browsing and email, an e-Library, games, and support for Java ME, DotGNU (a free software implementation of .NET), and Flash.
In addition, both licensees developed custom applications for microbanking, traffic police, and medical applications.
Deployments
In 2004, Simputers were used by the government of Karnataka to automate the process of land records procurement. Simputers were also used in an ambitious project in Chhattisgarh for the purpose of e-education. In 2005, they were used in a variety of applications, such as automobileengine diagnostics (Mahindra & Mahindra in Mumbai), tracking of iron-ore movement from mine pithead to shipping point (Dempo, Goa), Microcredit (Sanghamitra, Mysore), Electronic Money Transfer between UK and Ghana (XK8 Systems, UK), and others.[citation needed] In recent times, the Simputer has seen deployment by the police force to track traffic offenders and issue traffic tickets.[when?]
Commercial production
Pilot production of the Simputer started in September 2002. In 2004, the Amida Simputer became commercially available for ₹12450 and up (approximately US$240). The prices for Amida Simputer vary depending on the screen type (monochrome or colour).
By 2006, both licensees had stopped actively marketing their Simputer devices. PicoPeta was acquired by Geodesic Information Systems (a developer of communication and collaboration systems) in 2005.[citation needed]
simputer, self, contained, open, hardware, linux, based, handheld, computer, first, released, 2002, developed, primarily, distributed, within, india, product, envisioned, cost, alternative, personal, computers, with, initial, goals, selling, simputers, project. The Simputer was a self contained open hardware Linux based handheld computer first released in 2002 Developed in and primarily distributed within India the product was envisioned as a low cost alternative to personal computers With initial goals of selling 50 000 simputers the project had sold only about 4 000 units by 2005 and has been called a failure by news sources 1 2 ManufacturerEncore PicopetaTypeHandheld computerLifespansince 2002MediaSmart cardUSB storage devicesOperating systemLinuxCPUStrongARM SA 1110 206 MHz lt 0 4 WMemory64 MBDisplay3 8 320 x 240 LCD screen B amp W STN TFT displaying greyscale 4096 65536 colsInput320 x 240px touchscreenUSB keyboardTouchpadEntire screenConnectivityInfrared USB devicesPowerLithium ion batteryDimensions142mm x 72mm x 20mm206 gm Contents 1 Design and Hardware 2 Software 3 Deployments 4 Commercial production 5 See also 6 References 7 External linksDesign and Hardware EditThe device was designed by the Simputer Trust a non profit organization formed in November 1999 by seven Indian scientists and engineers led by Dr Swami Manohar The word Simputer is an acronym for simple inexpensive and multilingual people s computer and is a trademark of the Simputer Trust The device includes text to speech software and runs the Linux operating system Similar in appearance to the PalmPilot class of handheld computers the touch sensitive screen is operated on with a stylus simple handwriting recognition software is provided by the program Tapatap The Simputer Trust licensed two manufacturers to build the devices Encore Software which has also built the Mobilis for Corporate Educational purposes and the SATHI for Defence purposes and PicoPeta Simputers which released a consumer product named the Amida Simputer The device features include touchscreen smart card Serial port and USB connections and an Infrared Data Association IrDA port It was released in both greyscale and color versions Software EditThe Simputer uses the Linux kernel 2 4 18 Kernel as of July 2005 and the Alchemy Window Manager only the Amida Simputer Software packages include Scheduling Calendar Voice Recording and Playback simple spreadsheet application Internet and network connectivity Web browsing and email an e Library games and support for Java ME DotGNU a free software implementation of NET and Flash In addition both licensees developed custom applications for microbanking traffic police and medical applications Deployments EditIn 2004 Simputers were used by the government of Karnataka to automate the process of land records procurement Simputers were also used in an ambitious project in Chhattisgarh for the purpose of e education In 2005 they were used in a variety of applications such as automobile engine diagnostics Mahindra amp Mahindra in Mumbai tracking of iron ore movement from mine pithead to shipping point Dempo Goa Microcredit Sanghamitra Mysore Electronic Money Transfer between UK and Ghana XK8 Systems UK and others citation needed In recent times the Simputer has seen deployment by the police force to track traffic offenders and issue traffic tickets when Commercial production EditPilot production of the Simputer started in September 2002 In 2004 the Amida Simputer became commercially available for 12450 and up approximately US 240 The prices for Amida Simputer vary depending on the screen type monochrome or colour By 2006 both licensees had stopped actively marketing their Simputer devices PicoPeta was acquired by Geodesic Information Systems a developer of communication and collaboration systems in 2005 citation needed See also Edit Electronics portal Free Software portalAkash Sakshat tablet BOSS Linux developed by C DAC Digital divide Longmeng or Dragon Dream is a Chinese low cost computer being designed to cost 100 VIA pc 1 Initiative ZX81 the first million selling low cost 69 99 95 Computer References Edit Latif Lawrence India s 35 laptop scheme needs help the Inquirer Archived from the original on September 12 2010 Retrieved 2011 03 30 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint unfit URL link What Happened to Simputer Slashdot Indian handheld to tackle digital divide July 18 2001 Srinivasan S Apr 3 2005 Handheld Computer Yet to Reach the Masses Associated Press Swami Manohar Nov 2005 High Return Computing BBC News 10 September 2001 Computer deal for India s poor Outlook India September 22 2002 Pilot production of Simputer begins BBC News 1 August 2005 Woe for traffic offenders in Sim cityExternal links EditOfficial website PicoPeta Simputers Encore Simputer at Curlie Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Simputer amp oldid 1076214821, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
