The Zonbu corporation has announced that the computer with the same name has now completed the beta stage and is ready to ship out. Beta testers will receive automatic updates bringing them up to date with others purchasing the final product.
Zonbu is based on the concept of a network client, where the computer only has a small amount of storage, in this case 4 GB, but is constantly connected to a server, where you can store much more data. Zonbu has a seamless synchronization with the server which allows you to work with any data anytime, making it look like you have more local storage than you actually do.
The client uses a Linux distribution and the hardware is based on a Intel-like platform and Intel-compatible ultra-low power CPU. We’re not entirely sure what hides inside of the Zonbu, but it sports 512 MB RAM, 6 USB ports, 100 Mbit Ethernet, supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 and hardware acceleration of MPEG2. There’s also an optional 802.11b/g WiFi upgrade.
Zonbu is completely silent and the Zonbu corp. emphasizes the environmental factors when describing the Zonbu;
“This small wonder consumes just one-tenth the power of a typical desktop machine — which means you save on electricity bills and you save the planet by reducing CO2 emissions. And, by eliminating fans and hard drives, advanced Zonbu is completely silent, a nice plus for your home environment, too.”
Zonbu starts at $99 USD and $14.95 a month for a two-year plan. If you want a shorter contract the client costs $199. There is a variety of plans for those who wants a little more from their Zonbu, but already at the cheapest plan it comes with quite a lot of software available from scratch.
