Cubit Computers debuts Flybook in India

Ahmedabad-based Cubit Computers is introducing Flybooks in India under its own brand name 'Cubit'. The product will be
priced at Rs 1.50 lakh. "The Flybook is meant for people who are going in for a second laptop for their
personal use, like CEOs and the top management of a company," says Suresh Nair, Director, Cubit Computers.

The Flybook has a Transmeta 5800-1 GHZ processor with 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD and an 8.9" TFT LCD display. It
has ports for LAN and modem connectivity and comes with an LCD overlaid touch panel. It also features tri-band
GPRS, BlueTooth and Wi-Fi 802.11B compatibility. 

Cubit is one of the few companies which sells tablet PCs and boasts of good sales of up to 150 units a month. Most of the
sales are in the western belt through a network of 400 dealers and the company plans to tap other markets
soon.

"Selling tablet PCs is not as difficult as it is made out to be. There is a need for this product, though in admittedly niche
circles," says Suresh. "Once you educate the user about its utilities, he will be willing to buy
it."

Cubit's tablet PCs are priced between Rs 33,000 to Rs 60,000 depending on their configuration. Compaq sells its tablet PCs
for upwards of Rs one lakh. Acer is yet another vendor which has been selling these machines in India.
Cubit boasts of a four-hour replacement service model for these products with eight support outlets. This is also why it has restricted its
business in the western region. "We wanted to establish ourselves well in one market,
rather than spread ourselves thin by getting into multiple regions, without having a solid support setup," adds Suresh.

He is now planning to venture into the southern market as well. Cubit will also launch a sub-Rs 33K notebook, by the end of this year.

VINITA BHATIA