Lately I have been working on my Zonbu box and while it is still very much in the beta stages in some areas, this has some real potential I believe. What I have found amusing however, is all of the morons out there who are NOT part of their target market whatsoever, trying to point out why it’s silly to pay for software that you can get for free – does this sound familiar? Yeah, Linspire went through the same thing back in 2001-2002. So to clear the air once and for all regarding Zonbu and its overall value. I will be pointing out the following:

You can either purchase a new Dell for your parents, kids, or whomever. Then download the desired software, hope to heck that they do not break something or install some sort of nasty malware and then find everyone looking at a huge repair bill. For the causal user, the regular PC is just too much for them.

Possible costs:

• Low end Dell box – $519 (w/17 in monitor) + (end up with more PC than the person needs for their modest use)

• Microsoft Office – at least $130 or pay someone to install Open Office, $50+ or more for their time. After all, Joe User has no clue where, how or even what Oo even is.
• Find out that some malware has infected the system, removal and repair – $100 or more.
• Lost data due to not backing up after unexpected hard drive failure – $priceless

Or instead, for those who have modest computing needs, buy a Zonbu.

• Cost for ‘PC-like box’ $370.95
• Compaq flat screen at Best Buy – $115
• Dynex mouse and keyboard combo at Best Buy – $34
• Malware costs – $0
• Support costs should something break – $0, Zonbu will actually replace your machine for up to three years.
• Automatic, remote, secure data back-up.
• Inclusion of popular Open Source software such as Evolution, Firefox, IM client, music client and the Open Office suite.
• Data loss due to product failure – $0 and its impossible so long as you have an active broadband connection.

Total for the Dell with general costs with MS Office and repairs: $749 (If the user is hip enough to understand how to download and install Open Office, subtract $130).

Total for Zonbu with general costs, Open Office and free repairs both remote and by mail: $519.

Remember each option is including monitor, keyboard/mouse and an office suite. While the Dell is going to be a faster box, it will also use more electricity and cost more. Most users simply do not need this. Especially the casual user. The Dell will also provide you with more hard drive space. Again, consider the market. For people checking their mail and browsing eBay, a 160GB drive is rather silly.

[tags]Linux,Windows, Dell[/tags]