For Rs 12,999, one can now learn to assemble a tablet computer and own it. In a first of its kind initiative, Mumbai-based networking institute Jetking Infotrain is offering ‘Do-It-Yourself' courses to those interested in assembling tablet PCs.

Jetking has entered into the burgeoning market for tablet computers in India through JetTab, its ‘do-it-yourself' tablet which is currently bundled with a 12-day course at one of the Jetking's outlets. “The idea is to make people understand what goes into the making of a tablet, rather than making them mere users. Being a computer hardware institute, we would like to train a large number of people in this technology, as we see tablets replacing laptops,” its Managing Director Mr Suresh Bharwani, said.

The kit will come with an instruction guide book with diagrams, as well as a compact disc with video tutorials.

However, the company is not restricting the Android-based JetTab to its students alone.

Starting August, components that go into the JetTab will be made available at Jetking outlets for about Rs 15,100, Mr Bharwani said. Anybody with basic hardware skills can use the components and assemble the tablet themselves.

Going forward the company's plan is to extend this model to schools and colleges. However, Mr Bharwani has clarified that the company does not have any plans of getting into the business of manufacturing and marketing tablet PCs.

Though the Indian tablet market is still very small, market watchers expect it to grow exponentially with the advent of 3G mobile services. Apart from global majors such as Apple, BlackBerry, Samsung, Motorola and others, a number of Indian brands such as Olive and Adam are also vying for the pie with cheaper versions of the tablet.

The Jetking scrip was up 0.18 per cent to close at Rs 85.5 on the BSE today.

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