InkMedia teams up with loxley

The company will provide three series of computers - the PYRUS desktop series, ILEX laptops and OLEA tablet PCs - in five models.

InkMedia has partnered with Loxley to distribute affordable laptops and tablet computers among non-government organisations (NGOs), and the education and government sectors to help Thais gain access to knowledge and become a part of the cyberspace community.

InkMedia founder and managing director Gerry Morgan said the company will provide laptops priced at US$250 (Bt8,623) and $350 so that all income groups can afford to access information via the Internet.

Each low-cost laptop is equipped with a high-performance VIA C7-M processor and offers up to 8 hours of battery life, yet consumes just 3.5 watts of power.

The company will provide three series of computers - the PYRUS desktop series, ILEX laptops and OLEA tablet PCs - in five models.

The machines are fully functional, compatible with other mainstream PC offerings and require almost zero maintenance. The computers come with a comprehensive suite of programs, including Open Office, to serve business and educational needs.

The company will announce a new tablet computer - OLEA - next month, priced at $250 a unit. The new device, which looks like an animated picture frame, will enable users to access the Internet, send and receive e-mails, make calls through Voice-over-Internet protocol, burn CDs and DVDs, and read e-books. It runs on a simple-to-use operating system and is equipped with programs ideal for educational institutions, government organisations and NGOs.

'Entering Thailand has been a challenge for us. At present, Internet penetration in the country is only 14 per cent. We have an opportunity to provide laptops and increase Internet usage in the market to more than 80 per cent," Morgan said.

Loxley's information technology group administration adviser Sirinan Lamsam said the company will distribute InkMedia's laptops and tablet computers through a number of projects. At present, the devices and applications are being tested for the Thai market.

"Under an exclusive agreement with us, Loxley will promote our machines for this special project because we don't know the Thai market well enough yet," Morgan said.

The company also plans to target individual consumers and is looking for local partners who can help tap the mass market.

"We are looking for innovators who know the market and can sell to the local community. We also need a government partner to help us improve the lives of the Thai people. Our computers will serve as tools for development and learning. They will help Thai people connect to the rest of the world" Morgan said.

InkMedia distributes 100,000 products each month in 40 countries across the globe and expects to distribute 2 million units by the year end.