While India’s prowess in the development of software and IT solutions has secured the country a place of pre-eminence in the world market, its increasing importance in the manufacture of hardware is also being recognised.
Almost all major manufacturers have established their presence in India, making it a major IT hub but the manufacture of handheld pads that work on Android platform would undoubtedly herald a new chapter in the crowded tablet market.
Penta 9.7” Android T-Pads are now available through Penta NZ Limited, a subsidiary of Logical Systems Limited, which has its offices, retail and support centre at Eden Terrace in Central Auckland.
Penta NZ Limited is partly owned by Pantel Technologies, which manufactures a range of products including laptops at its factory, based in Noida near Delhi.
Daven Naidu, Managing Director of Logical Systems Limited and Penta NZ Limited, said that Penta NZ provides T-Pads with specifications suitable for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands in different configurations, including 7”, 8” and 9.7” screen and models with or without built-in 3G supports for Internet access everywhere.
“All models come with Wi-Fi access to make available Internet facility where there are hot spots or in places with wireless routers. All our Tablets run on Google’s Android Operating System, which differs from Apple’s iPads (that run on Mac OS 6). Android has thousands of free Applications for phones and PC Tablets with 63% Market share,” he said.
Penta NZ was formed to source, research and monitor the needs of the domestic Tablet market, introduce and support right products at appropriate prices.
“We also discern the importance of the Tablets in educational institutions (schools, universities and tertiary education providers) and among the younger generation. While Apple (iPads) opens the way, less expensive and lower entry costs will quickly become the standard. We now see the opportunity to capture the mass wave of product for the tablet market with the right product specification, lower price points and direct partnership model,” Mr Naidu said.
Diwali offer
Logical Systems is offering Penta T-Pads at a special price of $360 inclusive of GST for the Diwali season, but until stocks last.
“Even otherwise, our Tablets are cheaper than other reputable brands like Samsung, Acer and Dell as we have removed the brand cost and distribution,” Mr Naidu said.
The world economy continues to be volatile, but as small country, New Zealand has not suffered much, he said.
“Consumers are always looking for something new; that is why when Apple releases a new product, its share price skyrockets, even during recession. The PC Tablet wave is going on as the Internet did about a decade ago.”
He said that Penta PC Tablets are expandable, compared to iPads.
These include Micro SD card for Memory Expansion, mini USB Port for connecting USB devices, USB 3G Dongle for on-the-road Internet connection and HDMI for connecting PC Tablet to television.
Mr Naidu said that Penta Tablets are covered by a 12-month warranty and online Android software support.
“We carry spares parts to repair broken screen only since we replace faulty Tablets within the 12-month warranty period.”
Approved Centre
Logical Systems has an approved service Centre for Apple Computer Repairs and Penta PC Tablets. Mr Naidu hopes to have nationwide retailers and other resellers of his products throughout New Zealand.
“Tappoo Group of Companies in Fiji is our partner for retailing in Fiji,” he said.
Education institutions will be the first mass market to enjoy the high-speed Internet access that demands tablets rather than computers.
Their services are directed to the policy of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) so that no single operating system would be shut out.
According to International Data Corporation (IDC) BYOD polices that are flexible and accommodating the preferences of all parties are likely to be successful, with choice becoming a defining characteristic of such policies in the future.
“This means tablet products from Penta will succeed in the developing market as they offer lower entry costs to the masses in education and the workforce who require basic connection needs,” Mr said.
