Zonbu: A Big Step Toward Simpler, Hassle-Free Computing

Recently I began using a new PC that is claimed to be a zero emission and carbon-neutral computer. It's called a Zonbu and it's made by a company called (surprisingly) Zonbu (www.zonbu.com). What makes it green is it's very low power usage, relative to a standard desktop PC. The company claims it uses 90% less energy than a typical desktop PC.

The Zonbu's secret in doing this comes from it's physical and philosophical design.

Physically, it has no hard drive and no cooling fan. These are two of the biggest power consumers in most PCs. And, the other components are lower-end (or lower performance). The Zonbu does not try to be the biggest, baddest, most muscular PC on the block. Just the opposite, it takes the "less is more" approach. It's able to exist without a hard drive because it stores your documents online, using a secure storage service that comes with the Zonbu PC.

The company's philosophy is let's do more with less. It uses Linux rather than Windows. It uses free open-source applications that are compatible with Microsoft and other standards. Best of all, it is self-supporting in that it maintains and fixes itself. No more waiting for lengthy Windows updates or expensive upgrades to stay current. These are all a part of the service included with your Zonbu.

Finally, with a Zonbu you never have two worry about how to get rid of it is it breaks or becomes obsolete. The company has a free take-back policy for the life of the product. Oh, and they also buy carbon offsets to they can claim to be carbon neutral.

I use the Zonbu for several reasons:

1. It uses less energy.
2. It enables me to get done what I need using fewer resources rather than more.
3. I can access my documents and files from any web connection
4. Because it has no hard drive, it boots up quickly and reliably.
5. I never have to run anti-virus or spam software nor do I have to install or pay for software upgrades.
6. Out of the box it took 12 seconds to setup and start using. No setup or configuration required.

In short, the Zonbu gives me hassle-free computing so I can focus on my work instead of my technology.

What I really like is the Zen-like philosophy behind the Zonbu. The company set out to offer a simpler, cheaper and easier way to use computers and they seem to have accomplished their goal. Rather than blindly following the "bigger is better" mentality that so many modern industries and companies adhere to, this company has taken a smart approach to serving their customers. We need companies like this with people who are willing to use creative thinking not just in the design of products and in the creation of new technologies but also in how we use what we already have. They have created a new model for the PC industry.

It's insane to think we can keep doing things as we always have and get different results. The Zonbu is a perfect example of a company willing to stray from the pack and create a new context in how we do things. The Zonbu is not about cutting edge technology. It's not about change for the sake of change. It's about change for the good. Whether it succeeds or not is anyone's guess. But succeed or fail, they have already won by giving us all a valuable lesson.