Zonbu Linux Computer with Online Service is a Worry-Free PC for Grandma
July 10, 2007
We love our grandma. Still, the mere possibility that we would have to provide technical support for her Windows PC causes us to panic. We can envision hours of search of lost emails, documents, icons, and mice escaped from her PC. We don't mind the occasional educational sessions with her, but we would like someone else to ensure that her computer boots daily and safely saves her photos and messages on a back-up storage media. Zonbu, a low-cost Linux computer, is trying to achieve just that. Zonbu is purchased with a service that automatically manages data backups and system updates.
Key Features:
- Gentoo Linux operating system with xfce desktop software. li>
- 20 applications pre-installed, including Internet browsing, email, spreadsheet, publishing, word processing, photo management, video player, and MP3 player.
- 512MB of RAM.
- 4GB of flash memory for storing user settings and software.
- There's no hard disk or fan in the unit, making it silent.
- A VGA monitor with graphics resolution of up to 1400 x 1050 with 16 million colors can be connected to the unit. Hardware-based MPEG2 video processing allows DVD and video viewing.
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port.
- 6 USB ports.
- PC keyboard and mouse can be used on Zonbu.
- The width and length of the unit is 2 ¼ x 4 ¾ inches/5.7 x 12 cm.
Zonbu maybe small, it maybe cheap, and it may come with all applications an average user will ever need, but the unique feature of the product is that it comes with online services (that you have to pay for). Services cost USD 12.95 (for 25GB of storage), USD 14.95 (50GB), or USD 19.95 (100GB) per month. The Zonbu computer costs only USD99 with annual subscription. The included services are:
- Automatic application and operating system software upgrades via the Internet
- Continuous data back-up to an encrypted storage on the Internet (Amazon S3)
- Access to backed up data from other computers
- Device replacement guarantee
- Unlimited support via the Internet
The good news for people who have to provide computer support for friends and relatives is that the Zonbu PC can be forced to its original state without affecting user's settings or data. The Linux operating system and applications are stored on a protected, read-only partition in the unit's flash memory. This setup makes it very difficult for malware, such as bots, Trojans, or viruses to infect Zonbu. The settings are stored on a separate partition in the flash memory and all information is backed up on a server on the Internet. Zonbu owners don't get management and control (root access) rights for the computer that would allow them to tweak the settings.
You need some additional equipment to build a working system from a Zonbu unit. A VGA monitor (a flat panel LCD or CRT tube), a keyboard and a mouse are needed, as well as a working broadband connection.
You can't hook up web cameras, scanners, or Bluetooth devices to Zonbu yet. It is, however, possible to connect a printer from more than 1000 compatible products, from almost 1000 digital cameras, hook up an Apple iPod or Creative Nomad MP3 player, or plug in any USB thumb drive. A list of compatible devices can be found here.
Zonbu is not alone in the market for small, low-cost Linux computers. For example, Linutop, Palm Foleo, Asus Eee PC, or Square One Personal Internet Service.
Here's a Zonbu video that can be viewed in Windows Media Player.
Rate the product:
Life with the Zonbu as your primary desktop 01.08.2007 08:19
I wanted to see if I could use the Zonbu to do most of my daily desktop tasks, so I ordered one and I'm trying it our for 30 days. You can read more about my experiences and observations on my blog: http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/ -Mr. Zonbu