HCL MiLeap X, Y Series Low-Cost Notebooks Detailed

HCL Infosystems, an India-based PC vendor, has launched two more low-cost sub-notebooks targeted at the Indian market. The MiLeap X and Y Series are 7-inch models that offer the same functionality as a regular PC, but in a small form factor.

The MiLeap X is built on Intel's Classmate PC architecture and inherits all its functionality. Apart from its name, nothing has changed really much, and HCL Infosystems only bothered to change the Classmate brand and perform some minor functional tweaks. The vendor also re-designed the sub-notebook's case in order to ensure that it is dustproof, shockproof and durable (the classical needs for laptops shipping in the developing countries).

The MiLeap X sub-notebook features a retail price of $357, which is significantly more expensive than the XO competitor from the One Laptop Per Child organization. Its design is based around the Intel 915GMS chipset and is powered by an Intel Celeron M Ultra Low Voltage 353 (the Dothan 900MHz).

The sub-notebook comes with 512MB of system RAM, 2GB of flash memory, a 7-inch wide 800 x 400 color LCD, 2-in-1 card reader, two USB ports, built-in speakers, 802.11b/g wireless, and 6 cells battery that can provide almost 4 hours of autonomy. There is no word whether the flash memory can be extended or not. The machine weighs 1.4 kilograms and is powered by a Linux distribution.

The MiLeap Y targets at another market and this reflects into its features as well as in its bulky price tag. The Y version is an ultra-portable PC for business users. It is built around Intel's Ultra Mobile Platform and features a swivel 7-inch touchscreen, a 2.5-inch 80 GB hard drive, 3-in-1 card reader, wireless, two USB ports, 1.3 mega pixel webcam, Bluetooth and Ethernet.

The 960 grams business ultra-mobile PC sells for $766, which is quite some money on the Indian market. Both products will start shipping on 26th January, when India celebrates the Republic Day.

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