The Simmbook by Indian manufacturer Simmtronics is a 10" screen netbook equipped with an 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, a 1.3 megapixel camera, a 3-in-1 (MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro) card reader, 3 USB 2.0 ports, Kensington lock port, a 10/100 Ethernet controller, WiFi 802.11b/g, and a 2200mAh 3 cell Li-Ion battery.

Looking at the hardware specs of the Simmtronics Simmbook one might be surprised that this netbook was just announced a few days ago. But with a price starting at $190 USD it looks like a pretty good deal.

And a low price is essential as the Simmbook is the result of a collaboration between IBM, Canonical and Simmtronics with the goal to provide low cost computing in emerging markets. Thus, the Simmbook is initially available in South Africa, India, Thailand and Vietnam, with other countries to follow, presumably including the USA, UK, and France.

The Simmbook comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Netbook Remix and the IBM Client for Smart Work that contains software packages like Lotus Symphony, Lotus Notes, and LotusLive components for netbooks, a set of tools for online collaboration and social networking.

For more detailed information, a photo gallery, and driver downloads visit the Simmbook product page.