India unveils a $35 prototype of a touchscreen tablet PC.

Since Apple introduced the iPad about three months ago and given the huge success that followed, computer and smartphone makers everywhere have been scrambling to catch up, trying to come up with a tablet of their own. But this week, a new entrant has created a big splash with the unveiling of a prototype of a touchscreen tablet PC with very unique features.
But above all, it's the entity behind the project that first draws attention. The entity in question is the Indian Government. People who have first account of the device, describe it as impressive with a very innovative approach. For a starter, the device runs on a variation of Linux, and use a memory card as storage unit. It also come with a built-in word processor, video conferencing capabilities and a Web browser. That's not all: It can run on solar power.
But as the commercial would say, wait, there is more; the tablet is set to sell for $35 a piece, PCWorld said. Right now, the Indian Government is looking for manufacturers who can bring the device to market at that price point or even lower because the device primary target market is low Indian low income families.

For more, see pcworld.com

Kno is a combination tablet, e-reader aiming to take the place of college textbooks.

With the rising popularity of the iPad and the already established e-readers, tech entrepreneurs everywhere have been scrambling , to come up with the next big hit, if not, to break into the market. In that context, a new entrant made its public debut last week with a demo. Called Kno, it is from Chegg the college textbook rental start-up. Trying to build a niche in the college market, the Kno sets itself apart from the rest of e-readers and tablets out there with its two built digital screens that allow students to view textbooks in the same way they would with analog versions. Its two 14-inch screens are big enough to display two facing textbook pages without the need to scroll. It comes with a stylus to take notes with and a Web browser with Flash support.

The company behind the Kno plans to release a test version in the fall and target the end of the year for its commercial debut with the goal to keep the price under $1,000.

For more, see NYTimes.com