Enhanced specifications would make Aakash 2 more expensive
on February 10th, 2012 1 
Aakash may no longer be the world’s cheapest tablet. The improved specifications including a faster processor, better battery life and additional military-style features like water-resistance, shock-proofing may further increase the price of Aakash 2.
According to the Hindustan Times reports, both private and public sector technology companies have told the government that supplying a million Aakash 2 tablets at the original tablet price will not be possible. The companies added that Aakash 2 may cost about US $ 100, with enhanced specifications like 1.2 Gega Hertz (Ghz) microprocessor as against 366 mega hertz (Mhz) in Aakash, a random access memory (RAM) of 700 megabytes, double of the original, waterproof against rain and ability to withstand steep and sudden fall.
“Manufacturing a tablet with IIT (Rajasthan) specifications at the original cost was impossible. It will be difficult even for US $100,” a government official said.
Public sector companies Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) are reportedly willing to meet the government’s requirement of a million tablets but not at the original price.
“Because of higher price for a US dollar component will cost much more. Insulation costs are also very high,” the official explained.
Sibal earlier stated that the govt plans to make the tablet more indigenous and further lower its price. The govt has also roped in three more IITs – IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur to work on the project along with IIT Rajasthan.
“I am hopeful of resolving the price issue,” a senior HRD ministry official added.
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