The manufacture of low-priced laptops kicks off today in Bangladesh, Telecoms Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said in parliament.

The much-discussed laptops will hit markets by the end of the month, he added.

“I will inaugurate the laptop manufacturing factory [today] and the honourable prime minister will launch marketing of the laptop by the end of this month,” the minister said, in response to queries placed by lawmakers.

Under the country's first initiative to make laptops, the minister said there will be four types of laptop, priced at Tk 10,000, Tk 12, 000, Tk 21,000 and Tk 25,000.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Raju had earlier said the locally made laptops would hit the market by May or June, which would contribute to building a 'Digital Bangladesh'.

The telecoms minister's speech yesterday renewed hopes for the first laptops made in the country.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=193397

http://excellentbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/doel-laptop-computer.bmp

http://news.platform-it.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/laptop-bangladeshi-doel.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/i575/akib/fat0_877_u8u3j.png

^^Looks nice, although the name "Doel" has an uncanny similarity with Dell :)
I wonder what the specs are for these laptops, as Tk 10,000 is a very good price for any computer.

^^
That's an incredibly low price! Who is the local manufacturer/assembler? Will they be able to sustain production at that price? We also need to know the specs to judge the capability.

It certainly won't sell among the affluent and the middle class who have an unreasonable bias towards all things (of) foreign (manufacture).

^^ Bangladesh Telephone Silpo Sonstha (TESIS)

http://www.bdnews24.com/nimage/2011-07-08-21-15-38-Gazipur%20laptop%20pic-12.%20.JPG

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263755_218518381518735_213577595346147_566073_5245348_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270252_218521754851731_213577595346147_566077_4288981_n.jpg?dl=1

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269430_218518821518691_213577595346147_566074_3239215_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269191_218519968185243_213577595346147_566075_7023775_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264913_217363398300900_213577595346147_562625_8268355_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268902_217994138237826_213577595346147_564516_1419942_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261298_217993681571205_213577595346147_564502_1754727_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267846_217994268237813_213577595346147_564517_3349200_n.jpg

DOEL Production Facility


http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268312_217362938300946_213577595346147_562607_5296318_n.jpghttp://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260253_216192858417954_213577595346147_559107_7452138_n.jpghttp://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268070_216192905084616_213577595346147_559108_8190526_n.jpghttp://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270198_217362878300952_213577595346147_562606_4976139_n.jpg

^^
I'm impressed by the Bangla alphabet inlays on the keyboard. I'd buy one just for that reason alone. But what about the specs?

Configuration of DOEL Laptop of 12000tk:

*Brand : BASIC-0703
*Weight : 1.2 kg
*Size : 13.3 inch
*Memory/RAM : 1GB MB
*Bluetooth : No
*WiFi : Yes
*Webcam : Yes
*Hard Drive : 32 GB (Flash)
*Battery Backup : 4 hour

^^ Didn't see the processor speed in the website..

Nice specs! Although RAM is a bit weak.

While on the subject of laptops -- how about the $35 (about Tk. 2500) LINUX tablet (http://gigjets.com/06/35-indian-tablet-sakshat-finally-arrives/) from the Indian Govt.? They subsidized half the cost and it is meant for high-school students. They claim it is better than an IPAD but that is a tall enough claim.

I'm sure the hardware could be just as cheap sourced from China (in quantity) and TSS/Bangladesh Govt. could take a stab at it. Something like the Kindle/Nook E-reader hardware (just as cheap) is easily modifiable by replacing the OS/Firmware and making it into a mini-laptop. I've seen friends do it and the speed and display are quite attractive.

Configuration of DOEL Laptop of 12000tk:

*Brand : BASIC-0703
*Weight : 1.2 kg
*Size : 13.3 inch
*Memory/RAM : 1GB MB
*Bluetooth : No
*WiFi : Yes
*Webcam : Yes
*Hard Drive : 32 GB (Flash)
*Battery Backup : 4 hour

^^ Didn't see the processor speed in the website..

If it is one of those old intel or the newer atom processor, the performance will be slow. I wonder how much more it would have increased their cost if that included WiFi. Does it mean no LAN card (network adapter) as well?

Nevertheless, I think it is a move in the direction. This does bring the computer within reach of many in Bangladesh.

If it is one of those old intel or the newer atom processor, the performance will be slow. I wonder how much more it would have increased their cost if that included WiFi. Does it mean no LAN card (network adapter) as well?

Nevertheless, I think it is a move in the direction. This does bring the computer within reach of many in Bangladesh.

Also the above is for the basic laptop, the website mentions that they will have atleast 4 different models.

^^ WOW!! I'm buying one the next time I go home!!
Heard about it sometime last year but was a bit skeptical about this becoming reality. Is this already out on the market?

If it is one of those old intel or the newer atom processor, the performance will be slow. I wonder how much more it would have increased their cost if that included WiFi. Does it mean no LAN card (network adapter) as well?

Nevertheless, I think it is a move in the direction. This does bring the computer within reach of many in Bangladesh.

I hope they are using the Atom processor which works well running Windows 7 even with a meg of RAM. I have couple of Acer netbooks and if Doel can match it in specs, it will be a big leap forward.

Like the Indian tablet, is there some form of govt. subsidy for these?

DOEL Configeration

Model 2102 (price BDT 10,000-$135)

10.0" LCD Panel (1024*600)
VIA 8650 800MHz
512 MB RAM
Integrated 0.3 MP Webcam
WiFi 802.11b/g
2 USB 2.0
SD Slot for Max 32 GB
Google Android Integrated

Model 0703 (price BDT 12,000-$160)


10.1" (1024*600) WXGA LED Backlit
Intel® ATOM Processor N455 1.66GHz
1GB DDR3
Samsung SATA 250 GB HDD
Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
802.11 bg/n
3 USB 2.0
Linux Based OS

Model 2603 (price BDT 21,000-$280)

13.3" (1360*768) WXGA LED Backlit
Intel® ATOM Processor D525 1.8GHz
2GB DDR3
Samsung SATA 320GB HDD
Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
802.11 bg/n
3 USB 2.0
Linux Based OS

Model 1612 (price BDT 25,000-$336)

14.0" (1920*1020) LED Backlit
Intel® Celeron Dual Core T3500 2.1 GHz
2GB DDR3
Samsung SATA 320GB HDD
DVD Writer ( Samsung )
Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
802.11 bg/n
4 USB 2.0
Linux Based OS

These prices are very competitive and appealing also the configurations are very appropriate for majority of BD population. Digital Bangladesh isn't full of hot air after all.

These prices are very competitive and appealing also the configurations are very appropriate for majority of BD population. Digital Bangladesh isn't full of hot air after all.

Remains to be seen.

What Linux Based OS are they using? UBUNTU? I had that installed in one of the partitions of my pc. They should use Windows based OS, even XP would be better. Many usual apps are not compatible in Linux OS. On top of that, people are not familiar with Linux OS. So, this will severely limit the products' market share and appeal. I know taking Windows OS would drive up cost and lower profit margin but they need to look beyond high profits, otherwise this venture may fell apart (something I certainly don't wish).

If you add $125 to the #4 spec laptop above, you can find significantly better machine by Lenovo, Acer etc.

When govt. officials get involved in BD, they tend to bring in their false pride and vision into projects. Those two elements certainly won't help to make any venture successful.

If you add $125 to the #4 spec laptop above, you can find significantly better machine by Lenovo, Acer etc.


Not in BD.

What Linux Based OS are they using? UBUNTU? I had that installed in one of the partitions of my pc. They should use Windows based OS, even XP would be better. Many usual apps are not compatible in Linux OS. On top of that, people are not familiar with Linux OS. So, this will severely limit the products' market share and appeal. I know taking Windows OS would drive up cost and lower profit margin but they need to look beyond high profits, otherwise this venture may fell apart (something I certainly don't wish).

If you add $125 to the #4 spec laptop above, you can find significantly better machine by Lenovo, Acer etc.

When govt. officials get involved in BD, they tend to bring in their false pride and vision into projects. Those two elements certainly won't help to make any venture successful.

You ought to look at this product from a different perspective, which is not that of a person who is computer savvy. Far from it, this product is aimed at people with very little disposal income yet desirous of becoming computer literate. For total novices, which happens to be the majority of the literate population and kids going to school but not yet exposed to computers, an operating system and accompanying applications are of little or no consequence or importance. These machines more than suffice for light computer use that entail browsing the internet, using email, listening to music and watching videos (all online).

The affluent types and even not so well-to-do income brackets children who live in major metropolitan areas, are not even going to give a first glance, let alone a second look at these Doel machines.

What Linux Based OS are they using? UBUNTU? I had that installed in one of the partitions of my pc. They should use Windows based OS, even XP would be better. Many usual apps are not compatible in Linux OS. On top of that, people are not familiar with Linux OS. So, this will severely limit the products' market share and appeal. I know taking Windows OS would drive up cost and lower profit margin but they need to look beyond high profits, otherwise this venture may fell apart (something I certainly don't wish).

If you add $125 to the #4 spec laptop above, you can find significantly better machine by Lenovo, Acer etc.
...

Well.. I don't think getting people used to with open source OSs is a bad thing at all. Considering about 95% of the OSs used in BD are pirated.
I agree to the fact that not many usual apps are compatible yet in Linux but the number is increasing as time passes. More and more people are getting into Linux and if you compare about 5-10 years back and now, hardly anything Windows were compatible with Linux then.

Although people would have liked it more if they could have the laptops with Windows OS but it won't take long for most to get used to with Linux once they start using it, as with any new product.

^^I agree with all of you guys. There is no harm in learning. But everyone wants to make the most out of their investments. In terms of usefulness, other than corporate servers Linux based OS's usage is very limited. Say, if I were a guy looking for a way to go beyond surfing the net and listening to musics, and wanted to learn some programming skills or some skills to do some freelancing job, which many people are known to be doing, Unix based OS would be a big no and simply wouldn't work in most if not all cases.

Anyway, I agree it could be a good starter.

^^I agree with all of you guys. There is no harm in learning. But everyone wants to make the most out of their investments.

It isn't even a question of learning or learning something new. If you were to remove your narrow focus on your own demographics, you will realize that today, computers are not just used by youngsters i.e., school or college going kids. In my own family, a computer is in daily use where the age variance ranges from seven year old (and she's been using it since she was three) to 67 year old. It includes people like me who is in IT, to businessperson, banker, physicians, and students. Other than I, nobody bothers to delve into the innards of a computer or learning a programming language, create databases or anything remotely complex that would require them to become a so-called power user let alone a computer geek. To these folks an operating system is totally inconsequential, as long as they can use the most commonly used consumer (computer) application like word processing, email, chat/video conferencing, or browsing the internet. My eldest sister came very late in the game. In fact, until she retired from her government job as a physician recently and joined a private practice, she never had to use any computer. Now she is forced to learn since the practice is totally computerized and attempting to become a paperless office. What difference would it make to her whether her machine is operating on a Windows platform, or mac or linux? All she cares is to be able to use the (computer) application that lets her enter patient information and write prescription. Additionally, she needs to use email which could be any email client be it Evolution, Outlook, or Thunderbird or a webmail application like roundcube.

In terms of usefulness, other than corporate servers Linux based OS's usage is very limited. Say, if I were a guy looking for a way to go beyond surfing the net and listening to musics, and wanted to learn some programming skills or some skills to do some freelancing job, which many people are known to be doing, Unix based OS would be a big no and simply wouldn't work in most if not all cases.

Come again? You actually have it backwards. So much so that I wouldn't even take the trouble to explain and leave it up to you to investigate your own misconception.

It's great to see our entrepreneurs taking steps into electronics. Hopefully BD can become a significant manufacturing center for increasingly sophisticated machinery as the years go by.

^^ These laptops were manufactured by the government.

^^ These laptops were manufactured by the government.

And the point being ....?

And the point being ....?

Tanzirian was saying its great to see entrepreneurs venturing into electronics. I just reminded him that these laptops were not made by any entreprenuers but by the govt.

BD entrepreneurs are still very reluctant to venture into electronics.

^^ Even though I do no like government get involved in the production of goods, I think this is a good step by the goverment. It will provide a very affordable laptop for the masses, which can help to increase computer literacy tremendously.

^^ These laptops were manufactured by the government.

Its not, its manufactured by a joint company that is owned by Govt and a private company from Malaysia.

^^ Even though I do no like government get involved in the production of goods, I think this is a good step by the goverment. It will provide a very affordable laptop for the masses, which can help to increase computer literacy tremendously.

If it is a good step why wouldnt like the government being involved in the production of goods. Just shows how "The government shouldnt be involved in the production of goods" is a bullshit ideological statement that some ppl pull out of their ass.

Its not, its manufactured by a joint company that is owned by Govt and a private company from Malaysia.

Majority stake is the governments I think which pretty much makes it a government entity.

If it is a good step why wouldnt like the government being involved in the production of goods. Just shows how "The government shouldnt be involved in the production of goods" is a bullshit ideological statement that some ppl pull out of their ass.

I, for one, do not subscribe to any particular ideology, however, it is a proven fact that any government run business (irrespective of a country's political philosophy/structure) is a laggard when compared to those owned and managed in the private sector. Government owned businesses are not unproductive or less productive just by the mere fact that they are owned by the state.

They fail to perform well owing to the structural deficiencies that is built into a government. At the same time, I believe it is a total nonsense when people (mostly conservative pro-business rightwing parties, a la GOP) say that a government should be run like a business. What is the business motive to operate a police or a fire department? Where is the profit motive to build a public library? None.

^^ These laptops were manufactured by the government.

Government investment in business is nothing bad in and of itself. In fact I wish Republicans were not obstructing that kind of investment here in the US.

I, for one, do not subscribe to any particular ideology, however, it is a proven fact that any government run business (irrespective of a country's political philosophy/structure) is a laggard when compared to those owned and managed in the private sector.

I disagree there are lots of instances where the government has performed better than the pvt. sector.

I disagree there are lots of instances where the government has performed better than the pvt. sector.

Yeah, like corruption...the gov't got an A+ on that

I disagree there are lots of instances where the government has performed better than the pvt. sector.

In Bangladesh? Anywhere else? In either case, give me irrefutable data and I'll bite.

In Bangladesh? Anywhere else? In either case, give me irrefutable data and I'll bite.

An example is the train system here in the state of Victoria. The Metro which runs thru the suburbs of Melbourne is privately owned while the V-link which travels in between different towns and cities of Victoria is govt. owned. The V-link functions way better.

Another example is the US healthcare system. Privately owned and inefficient.

There are various other advantages of having government-owned enterprises. During a recession it wont lay off it workers leaving them collect their dinner out of garbage cans since it can function without making profit.

An example is the train system here in the state of Victoria. The Metro which runs thru the suburbs of Melbourne is privately owned while the V-link which travels in between different towns and cities of Victoria is govt. owned. The V-link functions way better.

Another example is the US healthcare system. Privately owned and inefficient.

There are various other advantages of having government-owned enterprises. During a recession it wont lay off it workers leaving them collect their dinner out of garbage cans since it can function without making profit.

Let it be noted that you either chose or were unable to cite any examples as it pertains to Bangladesh. Fact is, in Bangladesh, anything government owned and/or managed is the worst of the worst.

As stated earlier that I do not subscribe to any particular economic/political governance ideology, I will always recognize public sector entities that are successful. But before I expound on the topic further, allow me to correct your statement that the US healthcare system is privately owned. It is actually a hybrid system where bulk of the medical establishment is in the private sector. There are government run portions of US healthcare system, namely Medicaid, Medicare and the VA (Veterans Administration). While medicaid and medicare are primary the payment side (comparable to health insurance companies), the VA actually owns hospitals and employs medical professionals. As the name suggests, VA provides healthcare to retired US military personnel.

Yes, the US healthcare system is no doubt inefficient however, the reasons for the inefficiencies are rather complex and not easily remedied. It isn't anything like Biman staff robbing the airline blind!

I'll continue with the original debate on another page (and time). Ciao.

Problem with government enterprises in Bangladesh is lack of accountability and healthy competition fostering innovation and growth.

For example, my brother used to work for a private telecomm company initially and working hours were from 8am- 5pm sometimes 6pm. Then he moved to government owned Teletalk and he was telling me the other day that now he can go at 10am have tea and samosa till 11am, then come back home for lunch break for 2 hrs and wrapping up the day by 4:30pm. Apparently no one cares as projects are funded by government and the willingness to improve or become more efficient is missing....

Anyways, one interesting news:

Death more likely than losing federal job
By Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAYPosted 2d 19h agoReprints & PermissionsFederal employees' job security is so great that workers in many agencies are more likely to die of natural causes than get laid off or fired, a USA TODAY analysis finds.

Death -- rather than poor performance, misconduct or layoffs -- is the primary threat to job security at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Management and Budget and a dozen other federal operations.

http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2011-07-20-fedjobsecurity_ST_U.htm

For example, my brother used to work for a private telecomm company initially and working hours were from 8am- 5pm sometimes 6pm.

6? Really? Well he was lucky if that was the case. Most private companies in BD will work you till 8.30. Once in a while till 10.

Problem with government enterprises in Bangladesh is lack of accountability and healthy competition fostering innovation and growth.

For example, my brother used to work for a private telecomm company initially and working hours were from 8am- 5pm sometimes 6pm. Then he moved to government owned Teletalk and he was telling me the other day that now he can go at 10am have tea and samosa till 11am, then come back home for lunch break for 2 hrs and wrapping up the day by 4:30pm. Apparently no one cares as projects are funded by government and the willingness to improve or become more efficient is missing....

Question comes to mind as to why every individual has to adopt a "monkey see monkey do" attitude in Bangladesh, particularly those who are employed by the government (public sector)? Just because your brother switched his employment to the public sector from private, he need not emulate their poor business ethics. Time and time again, we have this amazing transformation in Bangladeshis. The absolute slacker becomes the embodiment of efficiency when s/he lives/works abroad and the opposite. Isn't there something called conscience?


Anyways, one interesting news:

Death more likely than losing federal job
By Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAYPosted 2d 19h agoReprints & PermissionsFederal employees' job security is so great that workers in many agencies are more likely to die of natural causes than get laid off or fired, a USA TODAY analysis finds.

Death -- rather than poor performance, misconduct or layoffs -- is the primary threat to job security at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Management and Budget and a dozen other federal operations.

http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2011-07-20-fedjobsecurity_ST_U.htm

While a many such allegations are quite on the mark, I believe, most people, the media included get swept up to sustain the stereotype of (US) governmental employees, after having created the genie.

One ought to appreciate that the federal (and by extension state) government is a vast bureaucracy. Any bureaucracy, public or private, is fraught with certain built-in inefficiencies. It is analogous to maneuvering a supertanker plying on the high seas.

I work in the private sector. While my immediate employer is rather efficient, the same is not true when it comes to our parent corporation. In their continuing efforts towards cost cutting and realize economies of scale our parent company decide to consolidate some common business functions. The next effect of that consolidation has resulted in elimination of some headcounts but those business functions that we could turn on a dime now requires weeks and months.

Now to cite an opposite example. My career in IT began in the public sector where I was employed as a programmer at a local state university. While the common refrain was that we did not earn our pay, rather lived off the poor students and peoples' property taxes, the reality was quite the opposite. I am sure there were many departments and/or employees who barely worked but, my department was super efficient. Often, we used to go in on the weekends to meet deadlines. For me, it was almost routine. As I moved away from programming and practically became the de facto IT manager of the department, I used to work during nights and/or weekends in order not to disrupt regular business hours during day time, for things like systems installs/upgrades and so on.

6? Really? Well he was lucky if that was the case. Most private companies in BD will work you till 8.30. Once in a while till 10.

Therein lies the problem. In Bangladesh, everything is either on one extreme or another. While government employees barely work, the private sector, in many instances appear to practice slave labor. My wife has a cousin who is working at HSBC since his graduation from DU, last year. It appears that he, most often than not, does not get to go home before nine or ten o'clock at night.

Question comes to mind as to why every individual has to adopt a "monkey see monkey do" attitude in Bangladesh, particularly those who are employed by the government (public sector)? Just because your brother switched his employment to the public sector from private, he need not emulate their poor business ethics. Time and time again, we have this amazing transformation in Bangladeshis. The absolute slacker becomes the embodiment of efficiency when s/he lives/works abroad and the opposite. Isn't there something called conscience?


The transformation is due to lack of accountability in the Bangladesh public sector. Since every employee is goofing off without any fear of retribution, there is no guilty conscience in most of these employees. When the same slackers are in the private sector, their job will be gone on the third day they decide to emulate the "shorkari babu" syndrome.

The transformation is due to lack of accountability in the Bangladesh public sector. Since every employee is goofing off without any fear of retribution, there is no guilty conscience in most of these employees. When the same slackers are in the private sector, their job will be gone on the third day they decide to emulate the "shorkari babu" syndrome.

I get that but, do you mean to tell me we do everything or most things because at the end of the day, we may have to account for our actions (performance) or lack thereof? Do you discharge your duties or do the work you do in your profession simply because you have to a) earn a living, and b) be held accountable (via performance appraisals)? Don't most of us, do our work because we like our jobs/professions? Yes, of course, there are many who are stuck in a job or a profession they really do not care for, but those, I expect would be exception to the rule.

Something has inherently gone awry in Bangladeshi society(ies) for which we are in such predicaments. I can only hope that it does not remain that way.

We need to fix the system, if as a whole we have a competitive work environment that rewards hardwork and efficiency, people will perform their best. You cannot expect an individual to give 100% just for ethical and moral reasons-- well a few % might do that, but I am talking about the majority.

For example, when Pran opened a vegetable and fruit processing plant in north bengal and provided decent salaries and benefits. Villagers who were previously used to a lazy lifestyle turned into efficient workers, since they had something to look forward to.

In context of Teletalk, it's a government institution where even if you put lot of effort to complete your job, you know the task will stop in the next desk, there is no incentive to work hard. I was talking to my brother, he said initially he focused on getting tasks completed and working 9hrs a day But gradually he realized that this is not making any difference since the assignment still takes it's own time as others are working at same slow pace. Moreover, this was getting his coworkers annoyed.. It's difficult for people to give 100% without seeing an outcome of their effort.

But I believe that the system is already changing as a result of privatization and growth. As more competitors come into the market, there is going to be higher pressure for uniform corporate hours and strive for efficiency.

In India, IT professionals used to work 12-13 hours initially, but now due to intense competition, many firms are forced to relax working hours and give better benefits.

A tenth of the components that make-up the laptop are produced locally with the Bangladeshi government aiming to boost that to 60 per cent.

Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/2011/10/11/bangladesh-showcases-83-android-based-doel-laptop/#ixzz1irYY6juF

Villagers who were previously used to a lazy lifestyle turned into efficient workers,

Villagers used to a lazy lifestyle??

In India, IT professionals used to work 12-13 hours initially,

Damn I would rather die then lead such a life...

Ofcourse, they can't come up with an original name (yes I know Doel is a name of a bird) but rip off the most popular brand.