The limits of Aakash disappoint users

HYDERABAD: The student-friendly tablet PC, Aakash, has been a sellout from the start. However, the enhanced features in the upgraded UbiSlate 7 plus might be worth the wait, say those who managed to procure the first generation version of the tablet.The Ubislate 7 version, which sold out last week soon after Datawind opened bookings for it, has been a tad disappointing for its slow performance. “The drawback for all users is the slow processor speed which is 366 MHz. The present day smartphones can do better,” says Harsha who works for a software company which develops apps for android devices. The absence of camera and GPRS are handicaps for those looking for a device with easy mobility. The second generation Ubislate 7 plus promises a slot for SIM card apart from Wi-Fi connectivity for ease of internet access, apart from a 700 MHz Cortex A8 processor. “Since the technology is still in its nascent stage, I have pre-booked the second generation Aakash tablet. Also, the common problem discussed on forums is the poor power backup of the previous version. The one slated for release promises a 3-hour standby,” explains M Jagdish, a market analyst in Hyderabad who has ordered the upgraded version which will be released in January next year.Priced slightly higher at `3000 over the first generation tablet which cost `2,500, the upgraded tablet has spurred the development of educational apps among others, customized for the android devices as universities plan on supplying the tablets to students at discount prices. Presently, students in possession of the tablet can access content from the Sakshat portal of the government of India for e-book, question bank and educational material downloads. Apps for the tablet can be accessed from Getjar, SlideMe and other websites which supply free and paid apps. A pre-ordering spree is in order as many wait for their own version of the tablet for the coming year.