Zonbu - Part II

In a post last week, I announced that the first Zonbu computer (that I know of) was coming to Grand Junction. It has indeed arrived, and I am enormously impressed with the machine.

Like all Linux computers, the Zonbu requires a high speed wired or wireless connection to operate. Dial-up users need not apply. The reason for requiring a high speed connection is that Zonbu provides automatic backup of files, automatic security updates, and program updates through the Internet connection. The entire setup of this computer (the laptop Zonbu) went like this:

1. Opened the box -  30 seconds using my USB Drive/pocket knife
2. Removed laptop from box - 5 seconds
3. Removed cellophane from laptop and power cord - 1 minute
4. Powered on the computer and waited for first setup screen - 15 seconds
5. Answered questions about the name of the user, the time zone, and hooked up to wireless - 90 seconds
6. Signed into the computer (Zonbu requires a user name and password to for security and warranty reasons) - 10 seconds
7. Waited for desktop to appear and marveled at the brightness and clarity of the 15.4" wide screen - 30 seconds (probably less without the ogling)
8. Clicked the web browser and tested Internet connection - 15 seconds
9. Oriented the customer on how to use the power meter to know when the battery runs out, how to hook up to wireless at hotels, coffee shops, etc, showed her the word processor, games, and how to turn the computer off - 10 minutes.

Wow!! From box to complete usability in less than 15 minutes, no other laptop on the market can accomplish that in triple that time for any cost much less for under $400! Turns out that Zonbu does not manufacture the laptop, they just put their software and brand on an Everex laptop. Everex is the company that started selling the $199 desktop computer for WalMart and other outlets, and plans to come out with their own laptop for the same stores later this month priced at under $400...again also with a brand of Linux.

After working with the machine for about 45 minutes, I immediately liked the screen, the quietness, the quick, responsive boot-up and applications, and of course the fact that it does not need anti-virus/anti-spyware software and special instructions on what not to do with it. We tested the Zonbu's DVD playback and it was flawless as well. I did notice that the Zonbu does not appear to ship with two speakers, but don't quote me on that yet. However, the sound output was quite adequate and clear.

Overall, Zonbu exceeded my expectations for a pre-packaged Linux computer. I stand by my opinion that a Zonbu (or other Linux computer) would be an ideal system for at least 80% of the computing population. And based on this week's poll, it appears that over 70% of you are willing to look at a non-Windows based computer.

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