In April, I wrote a post about green computers for Earth Day. The good folks from Zonbu, a green computer, contacted me and asked if I was interested in beta testing. I said yes. It is marketed as a "green computer." The mini cpu has a small footprint and loaded with OS and OS applications. You have to plug to the internet, a keyboard, and monitor.
Well, I never got around to really taking it for spin. I didn't blog about it. And, I didn't return it. I've been feeling guilty about that too. Then, I just realized that it would be a perfect computer to bring to Cambodia -- and maybe have it loaded up with KhmerOS.
I'm not a hardware geek - so wondering if anyone has taken one of these into a remote, hot, and humid climate? Tarran, what do you think? Others?
Hi Beth,
I bought my unit through the normal retail channels, but I am blogged about it at length.
I share your interest in low cost/low power computing for the developing world, so I wanted to see if this thing could actually pull off all the claims.
So far it has met most of them but there have been some disappointments and frustrations too.
My biggest observation is that you really need reliable and fast broadband on the back end to get the most out of the box. I know that is challenging when we're working over seas.
Check out my blog for more detail
http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/
-Mr. Zonbu
Posted by: Mr. Zonbu | August 07, 2007 at 06:24 AM
It's all about cooling, avoiding dust and trying to keep humidity as low as possible around the PC.
Other than that, it should live - but make sure you can get parts locally anyway. That's the main problem with taking computers anywhere.
Oh. One 'r'. :-)
Posted by: Taran Rampersad | August 08, 2007 at 01:16 AM
Hi Beth,
I plan to acquire a Zonbu PC soon for the purpose of my own blog, being very interested in innovative, low power, eco-friendly systems myself.
The Zonbu PC works by using an online subscription service and will require a decent broadband connection to allow you upload your files to the Zonbu server. Having only a 4GB compact flash module means that there is limited room to store stuff locally. Most of your stuff will get automatically backed up on the server, which why, as Mr Zonbu correctly pointed out, you will need a good internet connection.
This is good news though. It means that whatever happens to your Zonbu - if breaks or gets stolen - then your data will still be secure. Meaning your photos or videos are super safe.
The good news, however, is that the Zonbu is small and light and perhaps ideal as a traveling desktop PC. As long as you have that internet connection, a decent broadband/ADSL one, it should work well.
I don't imagine humidity, dust or high temperatures would pose any threat as the Zonbu contains no moving parts i.e. no fans or hard drive. It's usually these components that suffer in dusty environments.
I may include your Cambodian Zonbu adventure in my blog at www.technovoyance.com
Interesting to see how you get on.
Good luck Beth.
Posted by: Stew | September 02, 2007 at 09:37 PM