Now Indian consumers have one more reason to forget running after the Aakash tablet, BSNL has launched 3 new android based tablets. The first 7 inch model is priced at Rs. 3,250, the second 7 inch model is priced at Rs. 10,999 and the third 8 inch model is priced at Rs. 13,500.
BSNL low cost tablet for a price of Rs. 3,250 is clearly an Aakash rival and if this tablet does well it could take a big chunk of the low cost tablet market share. There is a huge market for low cost tablets in India, provided the manufacturers get it right. Despite so much enthusiasm from Indian customers for the Aakash tablets, it failed to live it up to the expectations. The Aakash 2 is now going through a new bidding process which means it will take more time.
These tablets are manufactured by Pantel, a Noida based company. BSNL will be selling these tablet coupled with their data plans at discounted rates. BSNL has also come up with a special launch offer wherein you play Rs. 3,499 for the 7 inch affordable tablet and get BSNL 2G SIM free along with free 3 months of download.
The 2G SIM comes bundled with the tablet but you cannot use it with the low cost tablet as it does not support SIM card, you can use Wi-Fi to surf or probably connect the handset with the USB and access the net from your mobile (I am not sure about this). But the idea is if customer uses the Penta 2G Data plan for 12 month they can recover the tablet cost.
You can pre-book now click this link.
BSNL – Penta T-Pad IS701R features / Specifications
This tablet is BSNL + Penta branded an comes with the offer as mentioned above. The T-Pad IS701R features and specifications are listed below.
- 1 GHz (IMAP210) processor with DDR2 256 MB RAM, 2 GB Flash memory and TF card support up to 32 GB.
- Loaded with Android 2.3 OS, you can watch YouTube videos, check mails, browse (flash support) and even use the market place to download and install more apps.
- HDMI port comes integrated which can be used to connect with LCD or LED TV’s.
- The 7 inch touchscreen is of resistive technology supporting 800 by 600 resolution.
- This tablet can be used as a e-book reader, for connecting with social friends via Facebook, Twitter etc and the media player supports popular video, music and photo formats.
- This T-Pad IS701R tablet supports Wi-Fi and come with one USB port. Other features are rotator screen and 3D games support.
- There is a front facing 0.3 MP camera for video chat (Skype using Wi-Fi).
- Battery: 3000 mAh Li-ion 5V2A.
This is an entry level tablet perfect for student. Features are good and specification is much better that the Aakash tablet. Price is a little bit more than the Aakash version but looking at the features it’s worth it.
BSNL – Penta T-Pad IS701R price in India is Rs. 3250.00 (Click here to Pre-book now) This is without the BSNL offer. Once you Book the tablet you get the following message.
You will be contacted by email or phone within 24 to 48 Hours with the details of mode of payment and expected date of delivery. Deliveries start from march 05, 2012.
Also check out 7 inch 3G + Wi-Fi model Penta T-Pad WS704C 3G, Wi-Fi tablet or the 8 inch 3G + Wi-Fi model Penta T-Pad WS802C with 1.2 GHz processor.
For support call : 0120 4277731-32, 6454613, 4308999, 6456870, 6456849 (Mon to Sat, 9 am to 6 pm)
I called the Customer support on 22 March and they told me I will get the delivery after 25 days, however they did not mention the exact date. I guess more waiting time.