Are you the family ‘go-to’ geek that everyone calls upon when they have computer problems? You may want to give a Zonbu as a self-interested gift. I gave one to Andrea for Christmas and it was installed in less than five minutes. That means up and running with no EULA or anything else to sign. The Zonbu is a mini computer operating on a Linux Gentoo operating system that has been installed with a customized and user-friendly interface. The system updates itself when you go online. That means that you never have to add an update, patch, virus protection or anything else. The total cost for me, including shipping, taxes and duty was $140, less than my next RAM upgrade.
The Zonbu comes with a 4 GB flash drive, no fan, no hard drive (that means low power use), and 6 USB ports. It also has about 20 installed applications; enough for your ‘average’ computer user. I purchased a 2 year service agreement for $15/month that gives Andrea 50 GB of online storage that is automatically updated by the system.
What I really like about the Zonbu is that no one can mess it up (including teenagers), because the OS is locked-down. You can buy an open version of the Zonbu, but that would defeat the purpose of paying for software as a service. For me it’s peace of mind :-)
How’s iTunes run on it? ;-)
Is iTunes some proprietary software from Apple? Since Andrea doesn’t listen to music on her PC, it wasn’t an issue. Zonbu comes with Banshee.
So with service agreement, that’s $140 + $360 = $500. Still sounds like a good deal. What happens at the end of this time? You forgo further updates if you stop paying? Or it becomes a doorstop? (I assume the former.)
I can keep paying, and probably upgrade my hardware if necessary. The box will be replaced if it breaks, but it’s quite a solid piece of HW (weighs a ton). I can also keep it without renewing the contract and use it as a standard Linux box, without the update and storage services. BTW, I’ve got a few high-priced doorstops hanging around already.
Will it boot from an external USB device?
Probably would, but I won’t try to hack it.
I was given one and I took it to Cambodia for a computer school. In my post, a few people pointed to some good resources
http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2007/08/zonbu-is-going-.html
They also have a laptop version
Thanks, Beth. How is it standing up to conditions in Cambodia? I would think that dedicated access to broadband might be an issue. Is the heat a problem?
My only issue so far is that the Zonbu OS (Gentoo) does not support either of my printers, a Brother HL-1435 and a Canon Pixma i1500.
Hi Harold,
I’ve been using the Zonbu for about five months now, to see how it stands up as a desktop replacement candidate for the average user. The things I like about it are the same as you. And I have a few other observations and complaints.
There have been a lot of ups and downs and a lot of discoveries along the way. In the last few weeks I just moved my wife to a Zonbu laptop as well, from an Acer/XP setup. I’ve been blogging about the good and the bad of that experience too.
You can read more on my blog at: http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/
-Mr. Zonbu
PS – Have a slice at pizza corner for me, will you?
Thanks, Mr. Z, it looks like a good resource site. Sorry, the “pizza corner” reference doesn’t click.
Blowers Street? Downtown Halifax? Three pizza places across from each other on the same corner?
A slice of pizza the size of my head?
Tell me you’ve partaken!
-Mr. Z
I know downtown Halifax, but haven’t partaken in pizza there for many years.
Hi – Happy New Year to Andrea and yourself. Saw your blog and wanted to send greetings.
Hope all is well. /s
Thanks, Shayla, I see you’ve released a new CD – congratulations.