Zonbu's Linux-based Zonbox network PC is “more than enough machine” for most casual home PC users, according to an early review. However, the $100 device requires a two-year, $13/month service contract, a lengthy commitment for such a novel business model.

Zonbu's Zonbox aims to bring the advantages of thin clients — such as lower electricity usage, silent operation, and centralized, automated data backups and application management — to casual home PC users. Based on a Via C7 processor clocked at 1.2GHz, it is sold with a cellphone-like business model.

Zonbu's tiny, silent Zonbox, front and back
For $250, users can buy an “unlocked” Zonbox, on which they can gain root access, add software using standard Gentoo package management tools, and generally customize the device as they wish. Alternatively, for $100 plus a two year, $13/month service commitment, customers can buy a managed version that includes 25GB of online storage, and a rapid replacement warranty policy.

PC Magazine reviewer Patrick Norton likes the Zonbox's low power requirements and complement of pre-loaded software, which includes Skype, the Banshee music jukebox, OpenOffice, and Firefox. YouTube video playback and mp3 ripping are less than perfect, he reports. However, the Zonbox uses only 11 Watts to play DVDs (external USB DVD player required). It can output to a 720p high-definition TV with “no problems,” Norton found.

Norton seems to like the Zonbox quite a bit. He does complain about a few user interface quirks, but acknowledges that the Zonbox as tested included beta software (along with final hardware).

Norton's complete Zonbox review can be found here. Our own earlier Zonbox coverage is here. Other recent Linux-based thin clients aimed at home users include the Thinteknix Chimp, aimed at East Indian users and also based on a “Cute-Box” hardware platform, and Paris-based Linutop's Linutop.

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