They say that if many people lie about something, people start taking it as the gospel truth. So when the manipulated print and electronic media started lying about the great indigenous Aakash tablet, I too was fooled. Article after article started appearing about how a great entrepreneur was about to change the life of students all over the country with affordable tablets and how there was a waiting list of months to get the Aakash tablet (reminds me of a similar bad product, the Bajaj Chetak in the early eighties).
I did not realize that it was a great con show and that several others like me, I too was about to be ripped off my hard earned money. On checking the Datawind website, I ordered a 7Ci tablet sometime in November 2012 and foolishly paid the entire amount. When even after a few weeks, I didn’t get the tablet, I got worried and called up the company. I was assured that I would get it soon. Sometime in early January 2013, I did indeed get the tablet. With trembling hands, I opened the package to find a BADLY SCRATCHED FILTHY product in my hands.
I immediately took pictures of it and sent them via email to techsupport@datawind.com hoping a resolution to my problems. Initially, I had decided not to use it at all and press for a full refund, but since even after repeated emails and telephone calls, there was no response, I did use it. It is an absolutely third grade chinese product and has been sold as if the seller is doing a great favour to the nation by selling it.
After a few weeks of usage, a red line appeared from the top to bottom. After several tries to the company, I was given a complaint no WKLDWI13052354 and asked to give the tablet for repairs to Accel Care Centre, Andheri, Mumbai. This I did in June. Now whenever I call the company, firstly they don’t pick up the phone. If I am lucky and a person picks up the phone, they ask my grandfathers’ and grandmothers’ name and then express surprise how I have not received a call back. Weary with this response, when I asked them what they meant by a call back they told me that I would be asked for an upgrade.
Chary of their cheap Amritsari tricks, I asked them what it entailed, to which they promptly told me that I would be given a new tablet by paying just Rs 1000/- extra. I told them that I am not interested in giving them even a single penny and just wanted my tablet to be repaired and given back.
Alas, it is almost two months since I gave the tablet to the service centre and am yet to hear anything from them. SO FRIENDS BEWARE-DO NOT BUY THIS THIRD GRADE PRODUCT.THERE ARE OTHER CHEAPER TABLETS IN THE MARKET WHICH DO THE JOB BETTER.