World’s Cheapest Laptop: India’s $10 Laptop Story (2026)

In February 2009 India announced what newspapers called the cheapest laptop in the world, a device said to cost only $10 to $20. This article explains what that “$10 laptop” really was, what came of India’s low-cost computer plans, and how to find the cheapest laptop that is actually worth buying today.

Quick answer: The 2009 “$10 laptop” was not a laptop. It turned out to be a small e-learning device, and its price quickly rose above the $10 headline. India’s later low-cost Sakshat and Aakash tablets also struggled. Today the cheapest useful laptop for most people is a basic Chromebook or a good refurbished laptop, not a no-name machine at a rock-bottom price.

The $10 laptop India unveiled in 2009

News reports in February 2009 said the device was unveiled by Arjun Singh, then Union Minister for Human Resource Development, at an event in Tirupati. It was described as a joint effort involving the University Grants Commission, IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, with a target price of about $10 to $20 (around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000). Early reports mentioned 2 GB of memory, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and power use of only about 2 watts.

At the time, the high cost of laptops kept computers away from much of rural India and many students. The idea was pitched as India’s answer to the OLPC XO laptop, the One Laptop per Child machine that cost well over $100 and was promoted worldwide through its Give One Get One program.

It wasn’t really a laptop

Within days, Indian newspapers reported that the “$10 laptop” might not be a laptop at all. The Times of India described it as a storage device holding learning content, meant to be connected to a computer. The Hindu described a hand-held device, about the size of a palmtop or modem, to help e-learners reach online content, and reported that its cost had already risen to between $20 and $30.

So the headline was mostly hype. A working laptop with a screen, keyboard, battery and processor could not be built for $10 in 2009, and it still can’t today.

What came next: Sakshat and Aakash tablets

India kept trying. The Sakshat name was later used for a low-cost tablet prototype shown by the government in 2010, which grew into the Aakash tablet project for students. Later Aakash models were made with the company DataWind. The project faced delays, tender problems and complaints about performance, and it never delivered the cheap computer revolution the headlines promised. Meanwhile, ordinary smartphones became the low-cost computer for most people in India.

How to find the cheapest laptop worth buying today

If you want a cheap computer in 2026, aim for the lowest price that still gives you a usable machine. These options give the best value:

• Chromebooks: basic Chromebooks are among the cheapest new laptops. They boot fast, update themselves and handle web, email, documents and video calls well. Check the automatic update date before buying. See my HP 14 Chromebook unboxing for what a budget Chromebook looks like, or browse Chromebooks on Amazon.
• Refurbished laptops: a certified refurbished business laptop with a warranty often gives better build quality and speed than a brand-new laptop at the same price.
• Raspberry Pi: the closest thing to a truly tiny-price computer. The Raspberry Pi Zero boards cost very little, but you need your own screen, keyboard and power supply, so it suits learning and hobby projects rather than everyday work.

What to check on a budget laptop

• Storage: prefer an SSD over eMMC or a hard disk for speed.
• Memory: 8 GB RAM is a comfortable minimum for Windows; Chromebooks manage with less.
• Screen: a full HD (1920×1080) screen is far easier on the eyes than a low-resolution panel.
• Updates and warranty: make sure the device still gets security updates and comes with a proper warranty.

FAQ

Was the $10 laptop ever sold?

No. The device shown in 2009 was reported to be an e-learning storage and access device rather than a laptop, and it never reached the market as a $10 laptop.

What is the Aakash tablet?

Aakash was a low-cost Android tablet project backed by the Indian government for students, which grew out of the Sakshat prototype. It faced many delays and quality complaints.

What is the cheapest laptop worth buying?

For most people a basic Chromebook or a certified refurbished laptop gives the best value. Very cheap unbranded laptops usually have slow storage and poor screens.

Is a Raspberry Pi a laptop?

No. A Raspberry Pi is a tiny single-board computer. You add a screen, keyboard and power supply yourself, which makes it great for learning but not a laptop replacement.

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