Do you have an old computer monitor that’s gathering dust someone in the corner of your house? Or do you have plans to buy a new PC for performing only basic computing tasks like writing documents, email, chatting, browsing websites, etc.
If you said yes to any of the above questions, read this.
Bharti Airtel, the largest mobile operator here, has just launched a new device called Net PC, which as the name suggests, is a low cost computer designed specifically for cloud computing. The device is powered by Windows XP (not Linux as you would expect) and costs INR 5,000 (or $100) in India.
To get started, you just have to plug in the USB modem or the broadband Ethernet cable into the Net PC and you’re ready to go. The device weighs a mere 500 grams and is small enough (11.5cm x 11.5cm x 3.5cm) to fit in one of your trouser pockets.
When you think cloud computing, the first thing that strikes your mind is Google Docs but surprisingly, Airtel’s cloud computer comes pre-loaded with a rental copy of Microsoft Office so you can work on those documents and presentations even while you are not connected to the Internet.
Airtel Net PC is a subscription based device so you also need to pay a monthly rent for using the software in addition to your broadband bill.
To give you an example, the minimum plan costs somewhere around Rs 700 per month where Rs 200 is the software rent while you pay the rest for DSL broadband. This plan will get you 3GB of data transfer (at 256 KB/s), 10 GB of online storage space and a copy of Microsoft Office Standard that also includes Microsoft Outlook for your email needs. You can also transfer data out the Net PC box using any of the available USB ports.
The downside is that you can don’t have the privilege to install new software on the device so can’t use[*] Firefox or Google Chrome for browsing as XP only comes with IE. And I am not too sure if the Net PC is locked to Airtel or will it work with broadband services from other providers like Reliance or BSNL.
Download this PDF to know more about Net PC or you can walk into any of the Airtel or NEXT stores in NCR Region (Gurgaon, Delhi or Noida) for a demo.
[*] Though you can’t install new software, I guess it should still be possible to run software that don’t require installation like the portable Google Browser.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/airtel-net-pc/9098/
Tags: airtel, cloud computing, feature, nivio, review, Gadgets
Reader Comments
You may wish to also look at Novatium Navigator link . This is an ISP independent completely managed computing as a service solution with performance equivalent to fastest of the standard desktops machines.
Written by Vivek on 06.16.09
Thin Client, isn’t it? Such devices are not for an average home user. The PDF specifically states that it is not able to play video files.
However, in an office environment, it is of immense use. Imagine, having a PC which does not allow users to install programs, does not play movies and does not let them play games! A distraction free environment, eh?
Written by Rajat on 06.16.09
I am afraid you have gotten your facts wrong – this device does not come with a pre-installed local version of MS-Office…it only lets you access a copy of MS Office running virtually from the Nivio grid – so it only works when you are online…
Written by don on 06.16.09
Dear Amit Agarwal
Good post. But, the problem is that I think that Linux is more better and faster that windows xp. Otherwise I will give you 10 out of 10 for this useful information. Keep it up.
Good work
Amit Agarwal
Written by dhannanjay on 06.16.09
Nivio.com is the service which actually provide the infrastructure for SoS for NetPC !
Actually by creating an account there one can use it as a proxy from offices and other such places where Poular Sites are blocked !
Infact Nivio’s Terminal Service ( MSTSC ) is a cool feature!
Written by Rakeshkumar on 06.16.09
Any connection with Nivio?
Written by Barnaby on 06.16.09
G-Mobile, one of the largest mobile operator in Mongolia, launched this kind of device one year ago.
Written by Badka on 06.16.09
it is awesome for netsurfing if it comes up with xp and office. and what about its launch date or where can we get this??
Written by Nitesh patel on 06.16.09
vsnl has launched this service about one year ago in india.
Written by anju on 06.17.09
instead of this.7k box.. i can afford a 20k net pc.. which has no limitations..except the CD-drive
Written by Sankaranand on 06.18.09