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Project: Linux  Articles
The Simputer: Low cost computing
By Ramnath Shenoy <Ramnath@freeos.com>
Posted: ( 2001-07-30 07:45:11 EST by )
One major obstacle to a widespread usage of computers in developing countries has been the high cost of hardware and software leading to high levels of software piracy. Although Linux and other open source "free" software has meant that such countries can now afford to use legal software, hardware costs still remain a multiple of the common man's monthly salary. Against this background, we now have the "Simputer" a low cost computing device from India that promises to usher in a new era of computing for the masses who otherwise would never be able to afford access to computers.
Developed by the Simputer Trust - a non-profit organization comprising individuals from the software industry in Bangalore, the Simputer runs on an Intel processor, has 32 MB RAM, 24 MB Flash memory and a 320x240 LCD screen. The operating system is of course Linux!
 The device has been designed keeping in mind the rural user although city slickers should find its Palm like looks appealing. Like the Palm, it has a screen-based keyboard and graffiti style software called Tapatap. Unlike the Palm, the Simputer has a Smart Card reader that makes all the difference. Although relatively cheap (200$), the designers realized that even this might prove too much for villagers to afford. Therefore the Simputer trust came up with an unique sharing scheme using a Smart Card system that will enable users to "hire" out the device for say an hour, personalize it using their own Smart card, access and store desired information on their cards. The Simputer Trust also hopes to involve the local government in subsidizing the machine at the village and district levels.
The interface with the user has been simplified by the use of a browser for the Information Markup Language (IML). Specially developed applications make the Simputer accessible even to illiterate users. The device uses software called Dhvani to convert text to speech and this is read out to the user.
Currently the software can read out in several Indian languages.
The designers envisage its application in micro banking, large data collection, providing agricultural information to farmers and even the school laboratory.
The bugbear of any new OS or device is availability of application software and this can come about only through availability of a platform for developers. The IML is a XML (Extensible Markup Language) application for describing the content and applications handled, by a Simputer. The open source nature of the IML allows rapid development of solutions on any platform including Windows, Linux and Solaris.
Currently the following applications are available for the Simputer: an IML browser with the cute name of imli , Text to speech software, Internet access software like browser, E-mail and even a MP3 player.
The system software of the Simputer is under GPL as it uses Linux. However for the hardware, the Trust has come up with its own definition of an open source like license called Simputer General Public License (SGPL). Anybody can download the hardware specifications of the Simputer and build his own machine or further develop on it. However, the producer must then obtain any one of two possible licenses from the Simputer Trust. These bind him to sharing any derivatives with the Trust for further dissemination. Those who wish to go commercial with their product have to make a one-time payment to the Trust. Here again the Trust has kept it at a lower cost ($25,000) for developing countries and $250,000 for developed countries. No list of "developed" countries is provided though.
Verily, the Simputer promises to live up to its name - a Simple, Inexpensive, Multi-lingual comPUTER!
Technical Specifications of the Simputer
Hardware:
CPU 32-bit Strong Arm SA-1100 RISC CPU running at 200MHz
32 MB of DRAM
24 MB Flash for Permanent Storage (DOC)
Display I/F 320x240 Monochrome LCD Display Panel
Interfaces:
Touch-panel Overlay on LCD Display used with a plastic stylus (Pen)
Speaker and MIC Jacks Smart card Connector
RJ-11 Telephone Jack
USB Connector
Dimensions:
Approximately 8cm x 13 cm x 2 cm
Power Supply 3 AAA-sized NiMh batteries
System Software:
Operating System: GNU/Linux
Soft-Modem Algorithms V.34/V.17 Data/Fax Modem Technology
Perl/Tk scripting environment.
Information and graphics courtesy www.simputer.org
Other articles by Ramnath Shenoy
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