I’m sure many of you into computers probably already noticed this a few weeks back. It’s called the Zonbu device and it’s an ultra compact PC device that’s available for $99 dollars – assuming you buy into Zonbu’s subscription plan. Before I get into that, let’s go over the details of this tiny box. The Zonbu PC features:

  • 1.2 GHz VIA C7 ULV processor (or as Zonbu calls it – an “Intel-like” ultra low power CPU – heh)
  • 512MB RAM + 4GB of flash based local storage
  • Integrated graphics with support for up to 1400 x 1050
  • Hardware based MPEG-2 acceleration
  • PC compatible ports for keyboard and mouse
  • 6 USB ports
  • 10/100 Ethernet port

Powering this box is a customized Linux OS based on Gentoo.

Ok. so back to the pricing. I mentioned in the beginning that the box costs $99. There’s an asterick next to the pricing on their website because this $99 dollar price is contigent upon you agreeing to a subscription plan (a 2 year plan that is). Zonbu’s whole plan is to sell you a cheap device and then make money off of an online subscription service which provides the following features:

  • Automatic backup of data on your PC
  • Applications and OS maintenance
  • Free upgrade to latest version of all the applications
  • Free box replacement guarantee
  • Unlimited Internet support

Thus, the Zonbu PC is $99 if you agree to a two year subscription plan. Should you choose a month to month plan, then the PC will cost you $249. There are three subscriptions plans. The Zonbu 25 provides you 25GB of online storage space and goes for $12.95 a month. The Zonbu 50 gives you 50GB of space and goes for $14.95 a month. The Zonbu 100 gives you 100GB of space and will set you back $19.95  a month.If you opt for the 2 year subscription, you can always cancel any time and receive a prorated refund of the balance of your remaining subscription.

It’s certainly an interesting way of selling computers. I’m not sure how successful a model this will be – especially since cheapo PC’s now run in the $400 dollar range (or less) and there’s no subscription fee either. Here’s what I would love to have – a small PC like this that has a SSD hard drive and a simple Linux OS. I’d use it as a small media player/email workstation. Who cares about online storage?

[Check it out]

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