HCL's Nano
If Tata delivered their promise, HCL is not far behind

By Shailesh Shah
If you think that Tata's magic with Nano was awesome, you probably need to discover a new adjective for HCL's MiLeap. MiLeap, the newly launched ultra low-cost laptop by HCL infosystems, sport a stating price tag of Rs 13,990. Analysts believe this is a sign of new price war among the major laptop manufacturing companies. Reason being the launch of MiLeap, just a few days after Allied Computers announced its laptop at just Rs 14,999. The new range of laptops is sleek and light weight, yet offers a full personal computer functionality with true internet experience, heralding a new category which holds the promise of being the future of personal mobile computing. The customers will enjoy the availability of MiLeap in two series - X and Y, at a starting price of Rs 13,990 and Rs 29,990 respectively.

The X series, available with both flash-based and disc based storage options, has sturdy design which incorporates features to make it dust and shock proof. The most expensive model of the series will charge a reasonable price of Rs 16,990. The X models have network ports, ready Wi-Fi and an option for a data card. Created by Intel processor, this affordable priced model is available with graphical user interface (GUI) enabled user friendly Linux operating system.

On the other hand, the high-end Y series features multiple navigational functions such as touch screen, thumb board, stylus keyboard and one-touch buttons. The Y series, powered by Intel Ultra Mobile Platform and Microsoft's Vista Home Premium operating system weighs 960 grams. This ultra-portable comes with a swivel seven-inch touch screen , 80GB hard disc drive, wireless connectivity, data card option, blue tooth, and Ethernet network port. The series has its price band ranging from Rs 29,990 to Rs 39,990. MiLeap laptops, with screen size of seven-inch weighs less than a kilo.

The unique selling product (at its first instance) looks its cheap price but its easy portability because of light weight and small size adds more value to this latest innovation. Designed using the latest Intel Ultra Mobile Platform - Intel processor A110 and 945GU express chipset, this energy efficient lower power silicon design consumes less power, reduces thermal impact and gives an extended battery life, HCL promises.

With the latest release by HCL, which hit the market on January 26, the technology market is sure to build up a new shape. Technology at the least price, as initiated by HCL will invite the other tycoons of the sector to compete the segment. Apple, a well known technology giant with iPods, iPhones and trendy desktops has also thrown a challenge to its competitors with world's thinnest laptop. According to Guardian newspaper, the company has confirmed the launch of Macbook Air, which is just 2cm deep.

Where is my boss
PGC Infotech became the first ever Indian company to introduce video interviewing with the launch of the career gateway whereismyboss.com. The website uses simple technologies to solve difficult problems thus providing job seekers and employers with unmatched time and cost efficacies. With the website, the employers and employees will be able to interact together in life-like interactions via video interviews.

Sabse bolo
Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has launched Sabsebolo.com, a free conferencing facility, a few months after Live Documents, an online office application.

Safer India
Kiran Bedi is back again, this time powered by internet technology. www.saferindia.com has been launched by former top cop with an aim to help people whose complaints are not heard by police. People who are refused help at police stations can write in with their complaints and the website will forward the same to the police headquarters.