Simmtronics launches "world’s most affordable tablet", approx. Rs.4,505

The tablet wars are heating up as another company, Simmtronics, has launched what it claims to be the "world’s most affordable tablet" in the UAE today. The company has launched a couple of models, but the one that we are talking about out here is a seven-incher that has been priced for just AED 299 ($81 or Rs.4,505). We're not too sure about the "world's cheapest" tag though, given the pricing of the Aakash.

Speaking at a press launch in Dubai, Indrajit Sabharwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Simmtronics, described the new development as result of a revolutionary leap in computing technology that enabled tablet makers to incorporate the most advanced features in their products at a lower cost. He added that the company also plans to shortly launch a version exclusively for students in the Middle East. “By launching the XPad in the UAE, we believe in taking the tablet revolution to as many people as possible,” Sabharwal said “The multi-touch XPad has already been acknowledged as a formidable companion - whether for business persons on the go or for gamers requiring quality graphics for their entertainment or for those seeking to enjoy high-quality entertainment.”

The XPad

The XPad comes in seven, eight, nine, 9.7 and 10-inch versions. The devices run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and come with a host of features, including calling functions. The XPad’s six-in-one architecture supports 3G connectivity, 1080p high-definition video playback, audio processor, and dual 2D/3D graphics. The tablet comes with a 1 GHz CPU and packs 4 GB of internal NAND Flash memory for data storage. The tablet also features a microSD card that can be expanded to 32 GB. Additionally, the USB and HDMI ports allow users to connect their hard-drives and other devices to the tablet for full operating flexibility.

Arif Khan, Director, Simmtronics Semiconductors Limited, said that the multi-functionality and versatility of the XPad were its most attractive features. “The XPad will certainly appeal to those who require high-speed Internet while on the go. Through the USB Dongle feature, the XPad puts an end to connectivity limitations. This makes it not only a robust Tablet PC but also the ultimate productivity tool,” Khan said. He further went on to mention that, "The 10-inch tablet will launch next month. It will compete with the Samsung Galaxy Pad, iPad, Acer and Toshiba tablets. This month, Sharaf Electronics has already placed an order for an assorted range of 10,000 units.”

Simmtronics also announced that the company had appointed Sharaf Electronics as the exclusive distributor of the XPad in the UAE. The product is already available at leading electronics stores out there, including Lulu Hypermarket, PlugIns, Ansar Mall and Sharaf DG, among others. Simmtronics has four manufacturing facilities globally and offices in more than 21 countries around the world. At its plants in India, Simmtronics manufactures more than 300,000 tablets per month and hopes to double that capacity by the end of 2012.