Novatium's $113 netPC offered to internet-deprived MTNL customers

While it's not quite free, folks in India that are having a hard time securing a PC (let alone an internet connection) will soon have another alternative. Reportedly, Novatium's stripped-down ?4,500 ($113) netPC, which will be "connected to a centralized server in the locality by MTNL," will act like a dumb terminal in users' homes. Consequently, applications will all be stored outside of the actual PC, but customers will be allowed 2GB of remote storage and access to the internet, the latter of which will require "a small monthly fee." To promote the offering, the firms are touting the system as one that is immune to traditional viruses and provides a low total cost of ownership, and buyers can even choose whether they'd like to work on Windows or Linux. Sorry, Mac lovers.

[Thanks, Jagannath A.]

[derek @ Sep 28th 2007 8:00PM]

It runs Windows, and is immune to viruses? Ha!

[Yo @ Sep 29th 2007 3:46AM]

That's not so unreasonable. If they're essentially blowing away any changes to the C: made in a session, the only things that can be affected for more than one session are the after-market apps on the customer's remote storage location.

[Reader @ Sep 28th 2007 8:05PM]

Hmmm, wouldn't mind that as a dedicated porn computer .

[giedrys @ Sep 28th 2007 8:10PM]

So how big is the difference in real life between old and new version anyway?

[John @ Sep 28th 2007 8:35PM]

Is this similar to Zonbu here in the US?

[Jagannath A @ Sep 28th 2007 11:23PM]

This is mostly targeted at those who are unable to afford a PC but still browse the internet and check email in nearby browsing centres.. in India there are lots of ppl in this category...

this will also give parents more control.. most of the kids near my house tell their parents that they need to get some information from the internet for their school project and go to the browsing centres just to play games non-stop :D

[GudSud55 @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:41AM]

Hope, NetPC gives you a chance to work, 'any time any where working', with out carrying you Laptop PC of 2.5 Kg, like any where Banking 'any time any where banking' with ATM. Net PC, shall bring in furthe revolution in communication system and tremendous change in trends with time.

[GudSud55 @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:51AM]

Net surffing shall be more accessable, ecnomicaly.