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Zonbu Desktop Mini

review DATE:01.27.08

Zonbu PC
Tower Angle Tower Front Full Set

review

By Joel Santo Domingo

In the old days, all computing was done with relatively cheap, dumb terminals connected to central computers. Zonbu takes that idea and updates it for the World Wide Web. Unlike other ideas that tried and failed (paging the Sony eVilla, and 3Com Audrey), the Zonbu looks to be a successful implementation of the decade-old concept of connecting a "Network Computer" to the Internet. The Zonbu Desktop Mini ($99 direct with 2-year contract, $299 without contract, $329 with WiFi, no contract) may be the Internet PC you've been waiting for. I sure hope the company stays around to support the "lifetime" claims.

red arrow Read the Zonbu Desktop Mini full review

Company

Zonbu

http://www.zonbu.com

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $249.00 Direct
  • Type: General Purpose, Value
  • Processor Family: VIA C7
  • RAM: 512 MB
  • RAID: No
  • Graphics Card: Integrated Via CX700
  • Secondary Optical Drive: None
  • Notes: $99 + $12.95 for 2 years, $149 + $12.95 for 1 year, $249

Bottom Line

Need a simple PC for web browsing, Office editing, and some basic multimedia? The Zonbu Mini can get you on the Web for not a lot of bucks.

Pros

It's Linux: free from Windows malware. Extremely power efficient. No fans, no noise. Obscenely environmentally friendly company policies. EPEAT GOLD and Energy Star 4.0 certifications. Lifetime replacement guarantee (with subscription). Free disposal at end of PC's life. Optional wireless networking. Root (installing programs) is protected yet accessible to geeks, so it's good for both novices and those sporting Tux tattoos. It's cheap, even without subscription.

Cons

User/Password login can be annoying. Minimal local storage. Incompatible with store-bought programs. Subscription-based computing. Company is still untried. Broadband Internet is required. You have to supply keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

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