Reliance made some waves in the Indian laptop market in 2022 when it launched its first low-cost laptop, the JioBook. However, the low-cost notebook failed to impress tech enthusiasts and the general public due to its disappointing hardware and underperforming capabilities. Some tablets and Chromebooks available at comparable prices outperformed the first-generation JioBook.
The telecom giant has now unveiled the second generation JioBook. With a slightly higher price tag of Rs 16,499 this time, the JioBook 2023 is all set to grace the shelves on August 5, available through Amazon and Reliance Digital’s online and offline stores. The competitive pricing of this budget laptop has once again caught our attention.
Although we haven’t yet had the chance to test the device ourselves, we are slightly more optimistic about its potential this time to revolutionize e-learning in India’s dynamic market.
Premium Look and Compact Form-Factor
At first glance, the Reliance JioBook boasts a visually appealing design, dressed in a pleasant blue shade adorned with the Jio logo on the lid. The device’s lightweight build, weighing just 990 grams, is a standout feature considering its affordability. This puts it in the same league as some higher-priced laptops known for their portability and ease of use. For students, a lightweight and portable machine is a big plus point.
The laptop’s sleek and compact design is attributed to the edge-to-edge “infinity” keyboard and a generously sized trackpad that enhances usability. The 11.6-inch anti-glare HD screen with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels, though sporting noticeable bezels, appears to be a decent option within its price range. While the laptop doesn’t flaunt the ideal screen for multimedia streaming, it will surely get most of the jobs done with no major setbacks.
Upgraded Internals
Reliance has bumped up the specifications this time for good. Under the hood, the Reliance JioBook 2023 comes equipped with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB storage, exactly double of what the predecessor used to offer, which should improve the overall multitasking experience. Further, the storage is expandable up to 256GB using an SD card.
For computing, the budget laptop used MediaTek’s MT8788 2.0 GHz Octa-Core Processor. While we don’t expect the JioBook to be a power machine, the slightly upgraded internals should get the job done this time for students and first-time laptop buyers.
One of the JioBook’s notable selling points is its “always-on” 4G connectivity, thanks to a pre-integrated SIM. While it sounds promising for seamless internet access, the full extent of its reliability and network coverage remains to be seen. Activation options include registering the SIM on Jio.com or the MyJio mobile app or visiting a physical Jio store.
Connectivity and Jio Add-Ons
On the connectivity front, the JioBook offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz), Bluetooth v5.0, 2 USB ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing ample options to connect with other devices and accessories. The laptop’s Lithium-ion battery is said to offer up to eight hours of backup, a decent duration for uninterrupted work or study sessions.
In terms of multimedia capabilities, the laptop features a 2-megapixel webcam and stereo speakers, for video calling and multimedia consumption.
Similar to any Jio product, the JioBook comes preloaded with proprietary apps, including Jio TV, JioCloud games, and JioBIAN. Particularly interesting is JioBIAN, a Linux-based coding software that claims to teach programming languages such as Java, Python, and Pearl. While the inclusion of these apps seems promising, their performance and utility would require hands-on testing to assess effectively.
Reliance’s offering of free cloud storage of up to 100GB with Digiboxx is also a noteworthy addition, providing students with ample space to store academic materials and data.
The Potential as an E-Learning Companion
The Reliance JioBook’s competitive pricing and promising features open up the possibility of it being a promising companion for e-learning. With the education landscape undergoing a digital transformation, a budget laptop with “always-on” 4G connectivity could serve as a convenient tool for accessing online lectures, course materials, and interactive learning platforms.
Furthermore, the JioBook’s lightweight design and compact form factor make it an attractive option for students on the move or those who prefer portability. Since the laptop has a fully blown keypad with a trackpad along with 4G connectivity, it seems to be an excellent alternative to budget tablets that demand additional accessories.
The preloaded JioBIAN app adds further value for aspiring coders and programmers, enabling them to explore coding languages in a Linux-based environment. If the software proves to be efficient and effective, it could serve as a valuable resource for learners interested in computer science and technology.
However, as with any new product, real-world performance and user experiences will determine the laptop’s true potential and reliability as an e-learning machine.
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[…] Reliance Jio is likely to launch an affordable 5G-enabled phone, as rumors and initial appearances on social media claim it to be coming into the limelight around Diwali or at the Annual General Meeting of the company later this month. […]