The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Student laptop scheme launched

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Monday, Jul 07, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Student laptop scheme launched

N. Anand

ELCOT asks students to register themselves before July 15

1 lakh laptops of leading brand will be supplied
Buyers have to pay 4 per cent VAT

CHENNAI: The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) has launched ‘Student Laptop Scheme 2008’ and invited students to get themselves registered through online before July 15.

The scheme is open to bonafide students studying from LKG to Masters Degree in Tamil Nadu, doing Cost and Chartered Accountant courses, undergoing correspondence course in any of the universities in the State, or waiting for engineering or medical counselling. They have to submit their educational ID card, call letter or tuition receipt fee as document proof.

These laptops are currently pre-loaded with Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.1 with one year subscription. For visually challenged students, ELCOT would load Ubuntu Linux Operation System with ORCA accessibility software.

These laptops have configuration: Intel Core 1.8 GHz Core 2 duo T5670 processor, 15.4" WGXA screen, 320 GB hard disk drive, in-built 1.3 mega pixel camera, Bluetooth, preloaded Tata Indicomm and Reliance data card support drivers among other things. The laptop is also available with less hard disk and less memory configuration.

ELCOT, the IT product procurement agency of the State government, plans to supply one lakh laptops of a leading brand for Rs. 28,297 and Rs. 30,497 without taxes. But the buyers have to pay 4 per cent VAT. These laptops were distributed as gifts to over 1,100 standard X toppers by the government. ELCOT has been using these laptops in its office and training centres.

According to market sources, ELCOT will supply Acer TravelMate with three years warranty, excluding batteries and it doesn’t need upgradation. These laptops will cost close to Rs. 40,000 in the market.

Earlier, ELCOT had stated that it would supply laptops to students for less than Rs. 25,000 for two different combinations. However, its plans went awry as there was steep rise in dollar rate from Rs. 39 to Rs. 44, followed by general price hike due to oil prices.

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