Zonbu launches subscription-based laptop

Remember Zonbu and their wacky, subscription-based $100 Linux PC? Well, they're back at it again with a $279 laptop. Essentially, the Zonbu Notebook is just a portable version of the desktop model: for $15 a month (2-year contract required), you get automatic software updates and online storage via Amazon S3, in addition to the Linux OS and open-source apps you'll find on board. Hardware wise, the Everex-manufactured machine looks to be a bit more powerful than the desktop Zonbu: 1.5 Ghz VIA processor, 512MB of RAM, 60GB of storage, a 15.4 inch widescreen LCD display, a CD burner, 802.11b/g WiFi and a smattering of ports. While it's certainly a novel idea, you have to wonder if it's really worth it when for just over $100 more, you could have either an OLPC XO or an Asus Eee PC, contract-free.

For more on the Zonbu laptop:
- check out Gizmodo's hands-on impressions