Simputer


The Simputer was a self-contained, open hardware Linux-based handheld computer, first released in 2002. Developed in, and primarily distributed within India, the product was envisioned as a low-cost alternative to personal computers. With initial goals of selling 50,000 simputers, the project had sold only about 4,000 units by 2005, and has been called a failure by news sources.

Design and Hardware

The device was designed by the Simputer Trust, a non-profit organization formed in November 1999 by seven Indian scientists and engineers led by Dr. Swami Manohar. The word "Simputer" is an acronym for "simple, inexpensive and multilingual people's computer", and is a trademark of the Simputer Trust. The device includes text-to-speech software and runs the GNU/Linux operating system. Similar in appearance to the PalmPilot class of handheld computers, the touch sensitive screen is operated on with a stylus; simple handwriting recognition software is provided by the program Tapatap.
The Simputer Trust licensed two manufacturers to build the devices, Encore Software, which has also built the Mobilis for Corporate/Educational purposes and the SATHI for Defence purposes, and PicoPeta Simputers, which released a consumer product named the Amida Simputer.
The device features include touchscreen, smart card, Serial port, and USB connections, and an Infrared Data Association port. It was released in both greyscale and color versions.

Software

The Simputer uses the Linux kernel, and the Alchemy Window Manager. Software packages include: Scheduling, Calendar, Voice Recording and Playback, simple spreadsheet application, Internet and network connectivity, Web browsing and email, an e-Library, games, and support for Java ME, DotGNU, and Flash.
In addition, both licensees developed custom applications for microbanking, traffic police, and medical applications.

Deployments

In 2004, Simputers were used by the government of Karnataka to automate the process of land records procurement. Simputers were also used in an ambitious project in Chhattisgarh for the purpose of e-education. In 2005, they were used in a variety of applications, such as automobile engine diagnostics, tracking of iron-ore movement from mine pithead to shipping point, Microcredit, Electronic Money Transfer between UK and Ghana, and others. In recent times, the Simputer has seen deployment by the police force to track traffic offenders and issue traffic tickets.

Commercial production

Pilot production of the Simputer started in September 2002. In 2004, the Amida Simputer became commercially available for 12450 and up. The prices for Amida Simputer vary depending on the screen type.
By 2006, both licensees had stopped actively marketing their Simputer devices. PicoPeta was acquired by Geodesic Information Systems in 2005.