Buy a notebook with its very own IT department

Darius Chang | Nov 29, 2007

With laptop prices dropping faster than ever, there is a growing number of owners who have no idea how to keep their systems in tip-top shape. Sure, they have heard about the dangers of viruses, spyware, trojan horses, etc., and the more informed ones do practice safe surfing habits. But there are times when despite using protection accidents do happen.

So when our US counterparts reported on the launch of the US$279 Zonbu laptop, we got excited. Not because it's cheap, but that this notebook comes with its very own support staff. For US$15 a month, Zonbu will take charge of the 20 software applications, automatically update the machine, provide online storage, remote file access and file sharing, perform automated backups, as well as offer online tech support and hardware replacement in case of damage.

The downside: Besides the monthly subscription costs, the unit runs on Zonbu's proprietary OS. This means no Windows applications can be installed. This laptop and the Zonbu service are currently available only in the US, though we hope this concept will make its way to Asia. This will finally relieve an entire generation of techies from having to provide free PC support for clueless relatives.

Filed under: Notebooks
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share