Linux-based Zonbox offers up subscription based computing

While subscription based music services have their fair share of proponents and critics, an interesting new Linux-based computer is looking to become the poster child of month-to-month computing. Zonbu's Zonbox is a SFF PC with a Linux OS and a minuscule pricetag that requires users to simply fork over $12.95 per month in order to keep their operating system and "$2,000 worth of applications" fully patched and up to date. The wee system features an elusive Intel-compatible ultra-low power CPU, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of flash-based storage, a fairly uninspiring graphics set, VGA out, audio in / out, WiFi, a CF reader, a pair of PS/2 ports, six additional USB ports for peripherals, and built-in Ethernet to boot. The company claims that the unit could save you "up to $10 per month" in energy bills with its uber-lean power requirements, and the 20 included open source applications should take care of most common tasks. The Zonbox itself will run users $99 (or potentially more) up front, and while we understand that the monthly fee includes unlimited internet support, remote data access, and network storage space, there's no word on what happens to your machine (or your down payment) should you default on those monthly increments. [Warning: Read link requires signup]

[Paul @ May 7th 2007 9:24AM]

100$ for a linux machine? sounds good to me

[Isaac @ May 7th 2007 11:27AM]

"100$ for a linux machine? sounds good to me"

I'm not so sure about that... it was my kneejerk reaction too, I'd love a low-power-consumption Linux box or 5 to play with... but there's the question of customizability... can you install new apps? Can you get root and/or edit config files, start up scripts, etc, etc.? Being Linux vs. Windows isn't going to make much different if you can only use it for basic MS Office and simple gaming/web surfing and everything else is locked down. This sounds like it might be good for my next-door-neighbor who wants a PC to do work with, all she needs is basic word processing, budgeting, and Internet access. Her son wants to play WoW and such games and somehow I doubt this would work for that, heh.

That being said, I'd consider one if I could make it into, say, a remote print server or backup firewall. Someone hack this for me! (since I couldn't hack my way out of a wet paper bag with a +5 Axe of Paper Slaying, heh).

[Jason @ May 7th 2007 9:56AM]

I'm not a lawyer, but wouldn't charging a subscription on using a Linux machine violate the GPL license?

[Jork @ May 7th 2007 10:10AM]

No. They are charging for using the hardware and for software support. Explicitly allowed by the GPL. You might find it useful to read the GPL and associated FAQ on GNU.org.

[Aaron @ May 7th 2007 10:09AM]

subscription costs seem to be for support for internet, network storage, and I'm assuming the cost of keeping everything up to date, not for the free software itself. At least that's what I get from the story.

[jk2000 @ Jul 19th 2007 4:54PM]

The GPL says nothing about charging for software. You can charge for GPL code, and many do that, especially with their own GPL code. GPL protects the customer, by assuring that the customer always has access to the source code. A good example is routers that use Linux - the router customers were not prevented from access to the sources... so they could modify their router software. Routers that use proprietary software are much harder to modify -- and some licenses even prevent that!

[CL @ May 7th 2007 10:09AM]

Count down to hackers finding a way to hack this thing in 3..2..1
At $99, this thing has a great potential if it's hackable.

[Ivo @ May 7th 2007 10:47AM]

I'll buy one for every friend and family member's birthday and start my own computing grid!

http://www.gadgetfriends.net

[James @ May 7th 2007 11:11AM]

Just to be clear: do you get internet *access* for the 13 bucks a month, or just internet "support"? I get the impression that it's like "AOL for Broadband" where you get some walled-garden content on top of your (separately paid for) regular net connection.

If so... uh, lame? Within a year, you'll have paid more in subscription fees than the cost of a similar machine, and I'm given the impression that installing, say, Ubuntu, and keeping it up to date, requires minimal effort at most. Consider this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2881215&CatId=1210
Tack on a $40 Celeron and another $40 worth of Yum-Cha RAM and you've got about the same system for less than $250, without wacky DRM (that you would obviously need to prevent people from using their system without paying the subscription). Even for people with few computer skills, this isn't a wise investment. Pass.

[P Sin @ May 7th 2007 11:23AM]

does anyone know where i can get a machine like that now. The shuttle PC is too big and i want something slim like the pc in the picture. (a model number or so would help as well)

[TIMMAH! @ May 7th 2007 12:54PM]

Here we go again... Anyone remember the IAppliance, or Audrey?

[LordJohnWhorfin @ May 7th 2007 1:16PM]

Can't wait to hack it and use it as an NAS and media server. Brings back memories of the iOpener...

[Paul @ May 7th 2007 3:32PM]

Here it is direct with no OS
http://www.ewayco.com/51-embedded-systems-100-PC-mini-ITX-low-cost/11-tk-800mhz-low-cost-pc-embedded-system.html

[Paul @ May 7th 2007 4:38PM]

Why does that look like the damn small machine

http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/store/Mini_ITX_Systems/Damn_Small_Machine

[Kevin @ May 8th 2007 12:27AM]

I'm betting 5 that this thing is hacked in under a month. Come on, pony up your wager!

[synack @ May 8th 2007 11:58AM]

Looks a lot like one of the NorhTec boxes [1] that start at $120... I'd rather pay another $20 and be able to do whatever I want with the box with impunity.

[1] http://www.norhtec.com/products/mcjr/index.html

[jk2000 @ Jul 19th 2007 4:57PM]

I suspect you can alter it as you wish, as long as you pay that subscription fee. Ultimately, if you modify it, but keep paying, they make even more money, no?