Zonbu

When I read about it for the first time, I was impressed and I’m still are. Oh wait that was this morning Lets say you have a family member like your mother or grandmother that understand very little about computers, you want the simplest system available so that they can pay their bills, receive and send emails, or write a simple letter. You stop at your local superstore and the cheapest computer you can get is $499, is possible to get a better deal but the price is just the beginning.

Introducing the concept that has been the minds of some computer enthusiastic for some time now, Zonbu . Head to their website and sign up for yours now, in their web 2.0 website you feel the simplicity from the minute your access the homepage. The concept is simple, a machine as small as an Apple Mac mini that stores everything on the web, with 128bit encryption offering security, reliability and more for just $99 (starting price).

The small box comes equipped with The Zonbu OS, a Linux based operating system that is as elegant, friendly, and intuitive as a Windows box. Because you are running Linux you are protected from almost all the viruses and exploits that pc’s and known for, and you can count on Zonbu on keeping your system up to-date with the latest in security for your small Linux box. Zonbu is not just a computer that you get on those big stores, its also a service, let’s talk about that in dept.

To get Zonbu at $99 price tag you have to commit to a 2 year service agreement, if you prefer also you can get Zonbu for $149 with a one year agreement, or for $249 you just have to pay month to month your service without contracts. The cool thing about that, and what makes it different is that the service agreement does not affect the price. Another addition to the cost is the fact that you must have some sort of fast access Internet connection.

What’s inside? The Zonbu box comes with a Intel-compatible processor, while they do not specify the processor I guess it may be some sort of Celeron or AMD Sempron type of processor. It has no fan for cooling, or disk drives making it silent and energy efficient. It has 512mb ram and a 4gig flash-based local storage. While it has local storage no files are actually stored on the system, only the OS. The website does not specify but I guess it comes with integrated graphics, and Ethernet connection.

The hardware has no drives but an optional CD-DVD rom can be adquire for $49, not word on whether records CD or DVD’s. You can use a USB key to store files locally and almost every hardware you can imagine is compatible via and of the 6 USB 2.0 plugs. It comes with over 20 free applications, typical for a Linux installation box. You must provide a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to plug into the device.

So you pay $12.95 a month and in my opinion is a fair price, the first thing you get is 25Gb of online storage, this does not count OS or application, is 25gigs of pure documents you generate. There’s a $14.95 option for 50gigs and $19.95 for 100gigs for those of you who need more storage space. The service includes, automatic application upgrades, continuous data back up, device replacement guarantee, unlimited Internet support and remote access to your data. Online back up services without any type of devices along can cost you up to $9.99 a month with other companies.

So what do you think? For grandma, a school kid, or someone that needs just the basics, I think this is the best idea anyone could have had. Would you buy one for a relative? For you? I’m seriously considering it to have a computer available in the kitchen, for visitors or anyone that just want to check out the news, a recipe etc. Email me for question at lumencreativegroup (at) gmail.com. Thanks.