ACi launches 'diary-sized' laptop at Rs 14,999

Bangalore, Jan 8 (UNI) Gujarat-based Allied Computers International-Asia Ltd (ACi), the country's only research-based laptop manufacturing company, today launched its full featured diary-sized laptop, priced at just Rs 14,999.

Briefing newspersons here, company CMD Hirji Patel said the laptops would be introduced in the market by this month end, through company showrooms in tie-ups with supermarkets, malls and retail showroom franchises.

The book-sized laptop with a seven inch TFT screen had impressive features including VIA 1.0 GHZ ULV CPU, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard disk along with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. It also had an in-built webcam and weighed just 950 grams.

ACi also ensured a 12-hour battery life in the laptop through solar energy technology. The standard model was aimed at those looking for basic office suite and internet capabilities.

The company was also planning to bring out the higher-end version of the same model with touch screen and two GB memory priced at around Rs 22,000, he said.

''Technology has been growing in leaps and bounds in our country.

Contributing to this, we want to bring technology to every one's doorstep. Complete research and development of this laptop is done by us in India and we have outsourced for production in China,'' he said.

Mr Patel said ACi, which registered a turnover of Rs 36 crore last year, would double it in the current fiscal.

''The company plans to launch LCDs and Plasma television in the first quarter of the next fiscal at a price range that is 40 per cent less than the branded products.'' The 32 inch LCD would be available at Rs 24,999. They would come in the range of 27 inch, 32, 37, 40 and 50 inch screens. The 50 inch LCD/Plasma TV would cost as low as Rs 50,000, he said.

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