Zonbu Notebook: Linux power for a wee $279 + $14.95 a month

notebook_240x180.png
Zonbu and Everex have teamed up to offer the Zonbu Notebook, a green laptop with a low-power CPU and a Linux OS. The laptop starts at $279, but that requires a $14.95 monthly service charge for using Zonbu’s web storage and service plan. The “free” edition costs $479.

We talked about the original Zonbu PC a few months ago and were impressed, if a little skeptical about the service plan. However, we’ve always said that Linux is the best option for computer novices and having someone else backup your data and maintain your OS online is what we call a good thing. Time will tell how this shakes out but a $479 ain’t half bad.

Specs:
* Processor: 1.5GHz, VIA C7-M
Intel-compatible, low energy use
* Display: 15.4″ WXGA Widescreen (1440 x 900) and VGA output
* Memory: 512MB
* Hard Disk local storage: 60GB (58GB for your data)
* Optical Drive: DVD-RW/CD-RW Dual Layer
* Graphics: VIA Chrome9 HC IGP (64MB shared memory, 128MB maximum)
* Audio: built-in speaker, microphone and headphone ports
* 3 USB 2.0 ports
* Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps built-in – broadband ready
* Wifi: Built-in 802.11b/g
* Power Supply: 65W AC-DC Adapter, 15W average power usage
* Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 2h30 to 3h, depending on usage
* Measurements: 14.1″ x 10.7″ x 1.5″ (35.8cm x 27.2cm x 3.8cm)
* Weight: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)

Product Page