The Simputer, "radical simplicity for universal access," is a low-cost, portable alternative to PCs. It has been developed to fill a role in the third world by eliminating the barrier of illiteracy for those that would like to use computers. The key to ensuring universal usability is creating a user interface based on sight, touch, and audio. The Simputer has its own browser, using a Information Markup Language (IML) application, based on XML.

The Simputer runs on the GNU/Linux operating system to keep the cost low and includes 32 MB of DRAM and 24 MB of Flash. The display is a 320 x 240 monochrome LCD with touch panel capabilities. The screen can be adjusted to display a soft keyboard for data input, or users can use a character entry software called tap-a-tap. If you prefer a full-sized computer, a USB connector is also available. It also has speaker and MIC jacks, a Smartcard connector, and a RJ-11 telephone jack, so the device can be personalized and passed around, changing applications and uses with the simple addition of a Smartcard.

The 200 MHz 32-bit Intel StrongARM RISC CPU provides processing power and three AAA batteries provide power for the device to run on. The Simputer comes with the imli, an IML browser; tap-a-tap, the handwriting recognition software; Dhvani, the text-to-speech software; and an MP3 player.

The Simputer measures 8 x 13 x 2 cm.

Pricing and Availability

The Simputer, which has been developed by India-based Simputer Trust, will be available from distributers in March of 2002 for around $200.

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