Alternatives to Aakash - 3 low-cost tablets you can buy today

Once ruled by Galaxy Tab, Apple iPad and other high-end tablets, Indian market is suddenly buzzing with a host of new budget tablet launches. Manufacturers from Micromax to HCL, all have recently launched budget tablets in the country. So, if you were looking to buy a low-cost tablet, Datawind's Aakash isn't your only choice. We are listing out three low-cost tablets that give a decent performance and are available in the market right now.

HCL Me U1

HCL's latest entry to the tablet market, Me Tab U1 is an Android 4.0 tablet with features like 1GHz processor and 7-inch capacitive display. During our hands-on with the tablet, it seemed snappy and surprisingly nice for an Rs 7,999 product. You can even get the 3G data connectivity on the go with a USB dongle on HCL Me Tab U1.

On the downside, it does not come with access to Google Playstore, but has SlideMe appstore on-board. Company is also offering two student oriented variants of the tablet in the form of MyEdu Tabs that come with pre-loaded educational content.

Price: Rs 7,999 | Hands on with HCL Me Tab U1

Micromax Funbook

With almost every manufacturer jumping in tablet arena, how could Micromax be left behind. The company recently unveiled its first Android tablet in the form of Funbook.

It runs on the latest version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich and features 1.2GHz processor with a 7-inch capacitive display. Company has pre-loaded an e-learning app on the tablet, which come with access to plethora of educational content. Two more positives for Micromax's Funbook are the presence of Google Play store and the bundled Tata Photon data card for on-the-go connectivity.

Price: Rs 6,499

Zync Z-990

Little known, Noida-based Zync has also launched an Android 4.0 tablet for Indian consumers. Dubbed as Zync Z-900, it also features a 7-inch capacitive display, and 1.2GHz processor. But on the upside, it has 1GB of RAM, which is more than 512MB RAM in other competing tablets. Zync 990 also comes with Google Play Store.

Price: Rs. 8,500