Photo by permission of Zonbu
Zonbu is ushering in a new age of computing with its affordable, energy efficient, low toxic Desktop Mini and recently added Notebook. The Company is taking a page from the cellular phone industry and offering computers at such reasonable prices with maintenance plans that make it possible for everyone to afford a computer.
What makes Zonbu different than other computer companies? The Company has made a commitment to create products that are not only affordable, but environmentally responsible as well. The Desktop Mini was the first EPEAT Gold certified consumer desktop based upon meeting stringent environmental criteria and compliant with ENERGY STAR 4 and RoHS standards (Reduction of Hazardous Substances). The Notebook obtained the EPEAT Silver status.
Think of your own consumption. Many people buy a new computer every three years about the same time that Microsoft seems to upgrade their software. My last laptop cost about $1200.00 with a 160 GB hard drive. It did not come with Microsoft Office or other needed software. In addition to the cost of the laptop, I had to spend additional monies on the software applications that I needed and an extended warranty in case of a hard drive failure. (Been there three times.) Yep. I hear it now. Ka-ching Ka-ching!
The Zonbu Desktop Mini
Prior to the Company’s launch of its Notebook, the Desktop Mini was the only child in the family, with its 1.2GHz VIA C7 ULV Intel-compatible ultra-low energy use, 512 MB Memory, and 4G Compact Flash for local storage and packages based on the amount of virtual storage ranging from 25G to 100G.
In addition, each Zonbu product comes installed with 20 different open source software applications which are compatible with the likes of MS Office and Adobe without the high ticket price. According to the Company, this package is worth $2000.00. Even better yet, since your files are on your own virtual hard drive, the Zonbu system allows access to your files from any computer that has internet access . Watch the video below as to how the Mini works.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT1CJd7jFo0[/youtube]
Instead of spending the green, you will be saving green in the amount of energy that this little computer expends. It uses so much less kilowatts of energy compared to our SUV electro hog conventional desk top models.
| Standard PC | Zonbu device | |
| Average energy use |
175 W |
15 W |
| Energy consumption |
1534 kWh/year |
131 kWh/year |
| CO2 emission |
2071 pounds |
177 pounds |
| Emission after carbon offset |
2071 pounds |
0 pounds |
| Equivalent gallons of gasoline used |
107 gallons |
0 gallons |
Not only is Zonbu Mini energy efficient, but it is manufactured with the environment in mind.
“At just over two pounds, Zonbu device consumes at least four times fewer chemicals and fossil fuels during manufacturing than conventional desktop PCs. Moreover, the Zonbu manufacturing process complies with the high standards of the European RoHS Directive. This restricts hazardous substances in electronic equipment, including cadmium, mercury, lead, hexavalent chromium and certain brominated flame retardants.”
According to the Company, the use of a Zonbu Desktop Mini reduces your carbon footprint by 1 ton each year, and could save you as much as $10 a month in electricity. Additionally, to eliminate any further carbon footprint of your device, the Company buys regulatory grade carbon offsets from Climate Trust, a top-ranked provider.
Although this small little 2.1lb wonder needed a keyboard, screen and broadband, you could not beat the price at $99 with a 2 year monthly maintenance fee of $14.95 for 50 G of storage to $19.99 for 100 G of storage. In the alternative, you can pay $299 without a maintenance plan. Adding Wifi is an additional cost of $29.95.
With this subscription, you will receive automatic updates to the software and drivers, unlimited email support, free hardware replacements, access from anywhere, and automatic back-ups so you never have to worry about data loss again. See a comparison of what these service generally cost compared to those offered with the Notebook and Desktop Mini. Want a second computer in the house for your children or an extra for work? Well, the Desktop Mini is your answer.
Zonbu Notebook
In Madonna like spirit, who keeps fabulously reinventing herself, Zonbu launched its newest addition, the Notebook, to give you even more flexibility with all the pluses of the Desktop Mini and more. This 5 pound baby has a 1.5GHz, VIA C7-M Intel-compatible, low energy use Processor, 15.4” Display, 512 MB Memory, DVD/Rom CD/RW, 60 GB hard disk storage, and VIA Chrome 9 HC IGP (64 MB shared memory-128MB maximum).
Personally I wish that the display would be a 17” size for my baby boomer eyes, but I am pretty impressed with its features. The Notebook’s software is in the beta stages at this point. However, it is anticipated that the software will be in its final stage early 2008. At such time, owners can upgrade their software.
Its cost varies based upon the plan that you choose. You can either choose to pay $479 (without a maintenance plan) or $279 with a two year subscription plan of $14.95 per month.
Recycle
When you are ready to upgrade your computer, you can send it back to the Company. Try and resend it in its original packaging. Not only will they recycle the old packaging, they will dismantle the old device, and properly recycle its parts. No more electronic waste piling up in our landfills or hazardous chemicals leaching out of them.
Before you leap to rush to order one of these computers, check if your printer and other accessories are compatible. Right now, the devices do not work with some of my printers. If you are in my similar situation, you need to figure this number into your price of the new computer. In addition, I urge you to read the FAQs because there are varying plans and options for these products that might fit your budget or need.
So affordable computing meets energy efficient and nontoxic. What a winning combination, don’t you think?
Radar Detectors says
Great review for Zonbo. I wish to have this mid next year. i liked the video presentation.
Mark @ TalkClimateChange says
Do they mention how much energy is used in it’s manufacture? Probably the most environmentally friendly computer I ever had was my old IBM laptop, because it just lasted forever rather than needing replacement every 2 years..
Mark @ TalkClimateChange’s last blog post..Forum Post of the Week – We debate the debate
Mr Zonbu says
I was impressed with the device when I first heard about it this past summer, so I ordered one. I wanted to see if it really could replace my PC for day to day use. I’ve been using it for four months, and I recently started using the Zonbu laptop as well.
I’ve been blogging about my experiences and observations at http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/
It hasn’t been a perfect ride but overall I’m impressed. There are still some rough edges they’re working on (and I’m optimistic about the next major OS update), but overall it delivers most of what it promises…
-Mr. Zonbu
Mr Zonbu’s last blog post..BBC iPlayer to include Flash derivative
Efficient Energy says
Great affordable and green find. The monthly pricing plans put the laptop into reach of almost all families.
Green Talk says
Thanks for stopping by. Efficient Energy’s last article on his website, which is dedicated to energy efficiency and green technology was http://www.efficientenergy.org.....ybrid-Cabs . Readers, go take a look! Thanks for posting and hope to see you around to lend us some information about other great green technologies. Anna