If you'd asked us a while back what kind of PC you could buy for $99, we'd have suggested something made of cardboard that ran purely on the power of dreams and imagination. The Zonbu personal computer; however, looks to change all that. WIth a combination of remote storage, open source applications and a small form factor design, the Zonbu boots to Linux off it's internal 4GB CF (Compact Flash) local storage and promises a plug-and-play device interfacing with printers, digital cameras and USB storage gizmos, all powered by a VIA C7 processor under the hood.
While only an initial cost of $99, there is an on-going subscription fee of between $13 and $20 a month depending on how much remote storage you're going to need. In lieu of an actual hard drive, the 25GB, 50GB or 100GB remote storage option is a must to provide any kind of lasting appeal.
Built from the ground up to be ideal for devotees of internet surfing, the Zonbu holds one last ace up its sleeve. In a world becoming increasingly more aware of environmental concerns, the Zonbu proves environmentally friendly too. According to the manufacturer, the Zonbu uses one-third the power of your average light bulb, earning it a 'gold' EPEAT rating from the Green Electronics Council.
There's nothing that gives that warm fuzzy feeling like a small, cheap and carbon neutral PC. The Zonbu is now available for purchase.