Embracing Make in India: HP’s Chromebooks Set to Roll Off the Line
In a promising stride towards bolstering the ‘Make in India’ initiative, HP is gearing up to produce Chromebooks at its Flex Facility located near Chennai. As October dawns, HP’s ‘Made in India’ Chromebooks are poised to become a reality. In this article, we will delve into this exciting development and its implications for the tech landscape in India.
HP’s Commitment to Local Manufacturing
HP has a well-established presence in the Indian laptop manufacturing scene. Since 2020, the company has been locally producing a range of laptops, including the HP EliteBook, HP ProBook, and HP G8 series. Furthermore, HP has been crafting various models of desktop mini towers (MT), mini desktops (DM), small form factor (SFF) desktops, and All-in-One (AIO) PCs within India’s borders. This successful foray into local manufacturing has set the stage for the next big step: the production of Chromebooks.
HP’s New Collaboration with Google
In a strategic partnership with Google, HP is embarking on a journey to bring affordable Chromebooks to Indian consumers. The manufacturing of ‘Make in India’ HP Chromebooks will take place at HP’s Flex Facility, nestled in Sriperumbudur near Chennai. This facility, which has been crafting Windows laptops across various lineups for the past three years, is now gearing up to embrace the Chromebook revolution.
The Countdown to Production
The much-anticipated production of Chromebooks in India is slated to commence on October 2, just around the corner. While the announcement has generated significant buzz, HP has not yet divulged specific details regarding production capacity. Consequently, the exact number of Chromebooks to be manufactured annually remains a mystery.
Vickram Bedi, Senior Director – Personal Systems at HP, expressed enthusiasm about this endeavor, stating, “Manufacturing Chromebook laptops in India will allow Indian students to get easy access to affordable PCs. By further expanding our manufacturing operations, we continue to support the Make in India initiative of the government.”
Rising Popularity of Chromebooks
Chromebooks have garnered attention and acclaim for their portability, affordability, and robust software support, particularly in the education sector. Notably, Google recently announced a significant software update policy for Chromebooks, promising 10 years of automatic software updates starting in 2024. This policy applies to Chromebooks released in 2021 or later.
A Plethora of Choices
In India, HP Chromebooks offer a diverse range of display sizes, including 11-inch, 13.3-inch, 14-inch, and 15.6-inch options. Buyers can also choose from two form factors: the traditional laptop look or a versatile 2-in-1 convertible design. The price range for Chromebooks typically falls between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, making them accessible to a wide audience. Of course, those with more extensive budgets and specific needs can explore higher-end models.
Samsung Joins the Bandwagon
Notably, HP is not alone in its pursuit of laptop manufacturing in India. Samsung is set to kickstart its own laptop production next month, with an annual production target of 60,000 to 70,000 units. The company plans to invest Rs 100-200 crore in this venture. Samsung’s production will commence at the Greater Noida facility, where it has been manufacturing smartphones for an extended period.
Evolving Government Policies
The Indian government’s recent restrictions on laptop and computing device imports took the tech industry by surprise. Many laptop manufacturers, including HP, had to halt imports. However, recent reports suggest that the government is reevaluating these restrictions, seeking alternative ways to promote local laptop manufacturing without adversely affecting the country’s IT industry.
Conclusion
HP’s decision to manufacture Chromebooks in India marks a significant step forward in the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It promises to bring affordable computing options to Indian students and consumers while contributing to the growth of the domestic tech manufacturing sector. As we eagerly await the commencement of production in October, it’s clear that HP’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ is both commendable and promising.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ‘Make in India’ initiative?
The ‘Make in India’ initiative is a government-led campaign aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing across various industries, including technology.
2. Why are Chromebooks popular in the education sector?
Chromebooks are popular in education due to their affordability, portability, and long software support, making them ideal for students.
3. What are the different display sizes available for HP Chromebooks in India?
HP Chromebooks in India come in various display sizes, including 11-inch, 13.3-inch, 14-inch, and 15.6-inch options.
4. How much do HP Chromebooks typically cost in India?
HP Chromebooks typically range in price from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, catering to a broad spectrum of budgets.
5. Why did the Indian government impose restrictions on laptop imports, and are they being reconsidered?
The Indian government imposed restrictions on laptop imports to promote local manufacturing. Recent reports suggest that the government is exploring alternative approaches to support domestic laptop manufacturing while considering the IT industry’s interests.
