Zonbu is a compact diskless Linux workstation At $99 for the Gentoo Linux powered diskless workstation it seems like a bargain. The catch is that it comes with a $12.95/month minimum subscription for 24 months for storage and support.
This reminds me of early Linux-based appliance, the Netpliance I-opener. The Zonbu device looks cool and has a small footprint but with the following specs it’s probably not suited for much more than casual Internet browsing:
- Intel-like ultra-low power CPU
- 512 MB RAM + 4GB flash-based local storage
- Graphics up to 2048 x 1536 (16 million colors, 75 Hz).
Hardware graphics and MPEG2 acceleration
- PC-compatible ports for keyboard and mouse
- 6 USB ports to plug-and-play all standard USB accessories
- Broadband ready: 10/100MB Ethernet built-in.
However, for those of us with casual Internet users like the elderly it’s not a inconceivable that there’s a market for this type of device. It’s just unapparent that as of yet that any other similar offering has achieved significant success.
(via Zack )
For more Mark Hinkle, visit his EncoreOpus blog.