Thin Client and Application Virtualisation at Defence

The Australian Defence Department will proceed with its Next Generation Desktop Project, using thin client computers and application virtualisation ("Next generation desktop for Defence", Warren Snowdon, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, MIN55/11, 6 May 2011). While this will deliver benefits, such as energy and cost savings, it is a difficult to implement in a security sensitive environment requiring reliable 24 operations. The system has to allow access to data at different security levels via shared hardware. Also there has to be some provision for operating when the central server fails, or links are cut. Military operations cannot be simply positioned due to computer failure.

When Defence CTO Matt Yannopoulous mentioned thin clients in his talk to the ACS Canberra branch in early 2010, I was sceptical. When working in HQ ADF I recommended the use of Austrlaian made thin client computers, but these never became popular. However, the web, the Internet, standardised data formats, more powerful hardware and virtualised operating systems have all made this much easier.

Cloud Computing as a Client-Server Architecture

Roger Clarke will talk on "User Requirements for Cloud Computing Architecture" in the famous Room N101, at the Australian National University in Canberra, 11am, 28 May 2010.

The Australian National University
College of Engineering and Computer Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLOQUIUM SERIES

User Requirements for Cloud Computing Architecture
Roger Clarke, Adjunct Professor (SoCS, ANU)

DATE: 2010-05-28
TIME: 11:00:00 - 12:00:00
LOCATION: CSIT Seminar Room, N101

ABSTRACT:
The literature on software architecture for cloud computing is focussed largely on the service-provider. It fails to reflect the fact that cloud computing is a form of client-server relationship. Architectures must also encompass both the software and devices that users utilise in order to invoke functions in the cloud, and intermediary functions. A further problem with analyses to date is inadequate reflection of the risks that users are subject to when they use cloud services. This paper proposes a comprehensive model that reflects user needs, and identifies implications of the model for computer scientists working in the area.

BIO:
From 1984-95, Roger Clarke was Reader in Information Systems in ANU's then Department of Commerce. Since then he has been back in full-time consultancy through his company, Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd. He focuses on strategic and policy aspects of eBusiness, information infrastructure and dataveillance and privacy.

He has retained his connections with academe as a Visiting Fellow in the ANU Department of Computer Science (1995-2005) and as an Adjunct Professor from April 2005. He is also a Visiting Professor in eCommerce at the University of Hong Kong (2002-), and a Visiting Professor in Cyberspace Law & Policy at UNSW (2003-). He has also undertaken Gastprofessur at the Universities of Bern (Switzerland) and Linz (Austria), and been a Gastdozent at the European Business School and the University of Koblenz (both in Germany).

Defence thin client computers

The Australian Department of Defence is reported to be planning to deploy 500 thin client computers by the end of 2011. Defence CTO Matt Yannopoulous mentioned thin clients in his talk at the ACS Canberra branch conference recently. Thin clients also feature in the "Defence Next Generation Desktop Project" (issued 22 April 2010).

It should be noted that thin client computing is not new to defence. Melbourne based electronics manufacturer Labtam, produced advanced thin client workstations (then called "X terminals") in the 1990s. These were sold to the Department of Defence and the ANU. The business was later sold to Tektronix Inc. IBM had a contract to supply Defence with hardware, but the Australian made units were superior. I was working in HQ ADF at the time and recall I recall writing a speech for the then Minister for Defence Support, about these terminals being made in Victoria (which the Minister's office liked).

University Students have Laptop Computers

The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009 is available from EDUCAUSE. This is the results of a survey of 30,000 students at 103 US universities. As well as Australian universities, this has some interesting implications for secondary schools.

The study found that almost all students have computers, mostly laptops. Almost all students were using course management systems at their university and most were happy with these.

Less than half of the students thought their teachers had adequate IT skills, nor provided adequate IT training for the students. Just over half the students had an Internet capable mobile phone and of those two thirds had used the Internt on their phone. For those not using the Internet on the phone, cost was the most common reason. Few were using the mobile phone for course related purposes and the phones were see as largely a distraction from study. One use favoured by students was to use the SMS function of phones for emergency messages from the unviersity.

If the results are applicable to Australia, which I suspect they are, then this would suggest:

1. Campuses should be equipped to accommodate laptops, with less provision for desktop computers. As an example, power points and network access for laptops would be desirable. Some way to provide a larger screen and keyboard interfaced to the student's laptop would be desirable (perhaps using a desktop or thin client computer)
   
2. Learning/Course Management Systems should be used for course administration, and where applicable, course delivery.
   
3. Mobile phone Internet access should not be assumed, unless the unviersity provides some sort of low cost or free access (for example WiFi for smart phones).

The federal government is funding the provision of computers for schools. However, it is being left to school systems as to if the students get laptops or desktops. The university research would seem to favour laptops. With the cost of netbook coming down, this suggests that some of what is happening in universities is now applicable to secondary schools.

Abstract

Since 2004, the annual ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology has sought to shed light on how information technology affects the college experience. We ask students about the technology they own and how they use it in and out of their academic world. We gather information about how skilled students believe they are with technologies; how they perceive technology is affecting their learning experience; and their preferences for IT in courses. The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009 is a longitudinal extension of the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 studies. It is based on quantitative data from a spring 2009 survey of 30,616 freshmen and seniors at 103 four-year institutions and students at 12 two-year institutions; student focus groups that included input from 62 students at 4 institutions; and review of qualitative data from written responses to open-ended questions. In addition to studying student ownership, experience, behaviors, preferences, and skills with respect to information technologies, the 2009 study also includes a special focus on student ownership and use of Internet-capable handheld devices.

Table of Contents

Entire Study: The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009

Foreword

Chapter 1: Executive Summary

Chapter 2: Introduction: Higher Education—A Moveable Feast?

Chapter 3: Methodology and Respondent Characteristics

Chapter 4: Ownership of, Use of, and Skill with IT

Chapter 5: IT and the Academic Experience

Chapter 6: Undergraduates and the Mobile Revolution

Appendix A: Acknowledgments

Appendix B: Students and Information Technology in Higher Education: 2009 Survey Questionnaire

Appendix C: Qualitative Interview Questions

Appendix D: Participating Institutions and Survey Response Rates

Appendix E: Bibliography

Online Supporting Materials: Key Findings: Roadmap & Survey Instrument

From: The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009, EDUCAUSE, 2009

Airservices Australia thin clients

Airservices Australia have issued a Request for Tender "Provision of Desktop PCs, Notebooks PCs, Servers and related Financial Services" (ASA PRN 964, 14-Jul-2009) which includes provision for about two thirds of their more than 1,000 desktop PCs to be replaced with thin clients. There are also requirements for the supplier to specify energy consumption and dispose of old equipment and packaging.

Unfortunately the tender document doesn't appear to require any environmental standards to be complied with. So for example, there is no requirement for energy use to be measured in a standard way, nor the old equipment and packaging to be recycled in accordance with any environmental standards.

4.3 Desktop PCs

It is anticipated that Airservices will require approximately 1680 Desktop PCs over the next three years. If the deployment of thin client devices occurs, these figures are estimated to be 33% Desktop PCs and 66% Thin Client devices of the 1680 PCs.

4.11 Environmental Factors

4.11.1 Wake on LAN Technology

All Desktop PCs and Notebook PCs should have the capability to be powered down by the user at the end of their shift or the end of the day and be able to be woken and powered up to enable the installation of software updates and packages. Upon finalisation of the installation, they should then be powered down.

4.11.2 Sleep Mode

All Desktop PCs, Notebook PCs and Monitors should have the capability to be able to go into sleep or hibernation mode when not used for a certain period of time.

4.11.3 Recycling and Disposal Methods

On the return of hardware, the successful Tenderer must have a process or program in place which allows the recycling of hardware or components of the hardware. This may include on selling, donations or breaking down the equipment for other uses. Tenderers must state if trade-in options are available for items Airservices have purchased as assets.

In the event there is disposal, Airservices needs to understand the process used by each Tenderer.

Airservices would also prefer the Tenderer to provide a general disposal option for other IT related items that need to be disposed of and recycled where possible. This would include the Tenderer having the capability to pick up IT related equipment in metropolitan locations (and where possible regional sites) including items that are not vendor specific. If charges relate to this service, this should be noted in the Tenderer’s response. Any minimum pick up requirements should also be noted.

4.11.4 Power Consumption

Power consumption of each device is to be provided with the Tender response. In addition, Airservices would prefer the option to acquire power packs for the items where possible that utilise less power.

4.11.5 Cooling Requirements

In relation to server equipment, Airservices needs to be provided with detailed information regarding the cooling requirements for each server.

4.11.6 Packaging

Airservices is focused on reducing the impact on the environment and where practically possible, would like to reduce the amount of packaging used for the delivery of equipment. This may include reducing the manuals and CDs/DVDs typically included with each order if they are not required by the user. ...

From: "Provision of Desktop PCs, Notebooks PCs, Servers and related Financial Services", Request for Tender, Airservices , ASA PRN 964, 14-Jul-2009

Low cost multi-user computers for education

In writing about the "Multiseat" Computer, which allows up to 12 people to share one PC, I forgot about the similar unit from nComputing , which was on display at ACEC08. The nComputing unit has PCI cards which is inserted into a PC running Microsoft Windows or Linux and allows it to be shared by three or five people. . The nComputing unit uses Ethernet type cable with RJ-45 plugs to locate the users up to 10m from the PC.

Another option might be to use USB external video cards. These are intended to provide a second screen, usually for a Lpatop, where a PCI card cannot be installed. They would have the advantage that a single standard USB cable could be used to connect the video, mouse, keyboard and audio for the user, making a low cost computer terminal. The catch would be that the USB connection could carry a fast moving high resolution video image. But this might be good for a web terminal, which just displays relatively static web pages. Amazon sell two models of USB external video card from IOGEAR: GUC2020DW6 USB 2.0 External DVI Video Card and the GUC2015V External VGA Video Card.

Multiseat Computer for 12 users

The "Multiseat" Computer is an interesting approach to green ICT. Up to 12 users can share one computer, using only a claimed 410Watts. The system runs Debian or Ubuntu with common open source applications, such as Firefox and Openoffice. The system works by inserting pci-e video cards and extra Usb interfaces into one PC box. All the users share the single PC.

However, there are still problems with the arrangement. You can't have a very long cable run to the screens and you end up with a thick bundle of cables. It should be noted that the cables have been carefully hidden under desks in the Multiseat product photos. In addition, like any multi-user computer, if the central unit stops, all the screens stop working.

Also the cost of thin client computers has come down to the point where they may be cheaper to buy than the long video cables needed for the Multiseat. However, for a small set-up, with four screens, the Multiseat could be very effective.

A few decades ago such systems were sold with patched versions of Microsoft Windows. This is much easier to do with Linux, as it is a multiuser operating system. Also the use of USB keyboards and Mice makes it easier. There appear to be some Windows based units such as the Multi-User PC, still offered. There are also systems where a whole computer with processor, is placed on a board to insert into a PC.

Australian Designed $99 Computer

Last year I visited ThinLinX, a Queensland based company which sells Thin Client computers. These allow several people to share one computer. While updating the links, I noticed they had announced a $US99 thin client, which they argue may be be the lowest power consumption, lowest cost thin client in the world. The catch of course, is that such a device needs a server somewhere to run applicators for it. They have more powerful thin client units which are capable of running the same operating systems and applciaitons as desktop ciomputers. But it would be interesting to see how small and cheap a unit is capable of running a web browser, so it could function as a web terminal.

Nettops the new desktop PC?

Intel have released a Dual-Core version of its Atom Processor and computer makers have started releasing small low power low cost desktop PCs based on it. Such devices already existed with Via processors, such as the Zonbu. AMD are following with their AMD UVC processors. But Intel's name will do most to popularise such products. Just as there has been a flood of small low cost "Netbook" notebook computers, I expect we will see a flood of small low cost Nettop desktop computers within a few months. These may replace most sales of desktop PCs within a year.

If you have fast Internet connection for access to storage and net applications and are not trying to do anything needing a lot of power (such as video editing or video games), then a Nettop should be more than adequate as a home or office computer. However, users may be less forgiving of a limited function and performance desktop PC, than they are a tiny notebook. When using a notebook you can see the advantage in portability, traded off for performance and storage. But a Nettop is going to look just like any other desktop computer (apart from the tiny little processor box).

Apart from low cost, one of the advantages of the Nettop/Netbook computers is low power use. But the Intel Atom 330 uses 8 watts, whereas the single core units consume 2.5 watts. Also the larger chip will cost more.

There are likely to be at least two types of desktop computer built from these chips: the lower power chips will be used for Thin Client computers, running little more than a web browser. These will need the Internet for their storage and applications. Higher power units will be able to run more applications locally and have local storage.

Which type of computer becomes popular will be decided by the customer and the result may not necessarily be rational. Just as people buy more expensive off road four wheel drive vehicles, but never take them off road, they may select more expensive PCs which can operate away from the net, but never do so. This already happens with many corporate computer purchases. Over-optioned PCs with accessories such as DVD ROM drives and capable of running extensive software are purchased, but the corporate IT staff then spend their time trying to stop many of the features being used for security reasons. It would make more sense to buy cheap and secure Thin Client computers, but staff prefer the illusion of independence.

Open Source System Needed for Global Distribution of Curriculum Materials

The New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) have issued a Request for Tender for a National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials for the Solomon Islands. The detailed Request for Tender (RFT) document has a good overview of the issues that a small Pacific country faces with educational materials. However, perhaps an alternative solution to new warehouses and book stock control systems should be considered.

The paper based education system could be replaced with a computer based one, using devices like the OLPC and the ASUS EEE PC. This would remove the need for tonnes of books to have to be looked after. The same equipment could be used for primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as civil administration functions. This would be initially more complex and more expensive to install, but would have long term benefits. Modular buildings, with the computer equipment pre-installed, already facilities could be used to speed the process.

The New Zealand Agency for International Development, NZAID, is inviting the submission of tenders from consultants interested in undertaking the role of providing Technical Assistance to the Solomon Islands Education Resource Unit for the development of the National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials.

Tenders must demonstrate understanding and experience of the following:

• school curriculum materials distribution, procurement and storage policy and management;
• policy development and practical implementation of policy in the education sector;
• facilitating capacity development, skills transfer and mentoring of staff;
• and experience working cross culturally and in developing country contexts, preferably in the Pacific.




Relates to the following TenderWatch Categories
865 Management consulting services
866 Services related to management consulting
929 Other education services
914 Policy advice and guidance for Government

From: National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials for the Solomon Islands, Request for Tender, New Zealand Agency for International Development, 2008

Desktop and screen mounted EEE PCs

According to news reports ASUS are releasing desktop and LCD screen mounted versions of their Linux low power, low cost Eee PC. The "E-DT" is a desktop version for under $US300 due by May 2008. The "E-Monitor" will be mounted in a 21" LCD TV and be about US$500 (due in September) and the "E-TV" a 42 inch LCD TV some time later.

The E-DT makes a lot of sense, being essentially a "thick" thin client computer, but one which has a marketing head start on the back of the Eee PC. Thin clients have previously been niche products and the E-DT may break that trend. It could be particularly good for the education market, cyber cafes and the like.

The Eee PC makes a good thin thin client: I am typing this on one now, with the internal LCD screen switched off, using an external LCD monitor, keyboard and mouse. This arrangement works fine for web browsing, email and some minor document editing. The generous number of USB ports allow connection of peripherals. As I commented when the Eee PC came out, about all ASUS needs to do is omit the LCD screen, keyboard, touch pad and battery to make a thin client computer for about US$199.

The "E-Monitor" may suffer from falling somewhere between a office computer and a home TV appliance. A 21 inch screen is still large for an office computer screen but small for a TV. It might have a niche market as a second home TV, perhaps on the kitchen bench or in the home office.

The E-TV with a 42 inch screen may never make it to market. Previous attempts to combine a computer and TV have been less than successful. While I have written about Using a Widescreen LCD for TV, operating the computer while on the lounge chair is difficult, even with a cordless mouse and keyboard.

E-DT As a Office Docking Station?

The E-DT would not be considered in many corporate offices, being seen as underpowered and running a non-standard operating system. However, if most applications are accessed via a web browser, and the few Windows ones were accessible via a remote server, then it could be used. It might also be used as a docking station for Microsoft Windows running laptops and smartphones. The E-DT would be connected to an LCD screen, keyboard, mouse, printer and LAN. It would communicate with the user's laptop or smart phone using WiFi, and acting as a wireless docking station, allowing the desktop keyboard and screen to be used.


See also:

• Eee PCs for sale on Amazon.com
• Flat Screens
• Using a Widescreen LCD for TV

Thin Clients from the Sunshine State

On my way out from USC I stopped at their innovation center to visit thin client startup company, ThinLinX. This is a startup company specializing in thin Linux client computers. John Nichols, CEO, showed me some prototypes. They are currently seeking financial backing for the next stage of development. He talked about some of the trials they have conducted in Australia and New Zealand.

The "Hot-e" computer runs Linux on an ARM processor, with a Debian linux environment for software developers. The computer cases will be made in China, but the circuit board will be made, and the units assembled, in Australia.

Models

Currently there are two models: HL100 and HL200, both with 64 MB RAM, 8 MB Flash Memory,l USB 2.0 ports, Compact Flash slot Type I/II, SD/MMC socket and 10/100 Ethernet. The HL100 has not video output and intended for machine monitoring applications, web cams and the like. The HL200 adds a XVGA DB15 CRT plug for video output.

Planned for February 2008 are the HL101 and HL201, upgrades adding WiFi, Bluetooth and 256MB of flash memory.

The HL300 is planned for March 2008, with a AMD Geode LX 700 processor, up to 512MB RAM, and up to 2GB of flash. Most significantly, the Geode is an x86-compatible processor and is used in the One Laptop per Child computer and some other low power Linux computers. This will make it easier to run commonly used applications on the system.

The ThinLinX computers are true thin client computers, requiring data storage and processing of applications top be run elsewhere. This makes for a lower cost system, but at the cost of more complexity and risk of a single point of failure. Most of the perceived risk and complexity is illusory. Running a couple of dozen ThinLinX computers from a server is likely to be easier and more reliable than setting up conventional desktop PCs. However, the perception will be that this is harder.

Applications

ThinLinX are offering their low end models for SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) applications, where a small computer is needed to monitor and control some machinery. This need not be in a factory, it could be the solar hot water system in a home. Larger units can be used for thin client applications, replacing some desktop computers. ThinLinX also offer access to Microsoft Windows applications remotely, but I have my doubts about how useful this is.

One application John mentioned was to provide the processing nodes for a WiFi mesh network, for public safety applications. John had one of the HOT-E devices mounted in a watertight "Pelican" type case with a small LCD display, as a prototype for use by emergency workers in the field.


Thick Thin Computers Easier to Sell

"Thick" thin client computers, like the Zombu, would be much easier to introduce gradually to an organization and look less of a risk than the ThinLinx. With 4 GB of flash memory, the Zombu can have its operating system, office applications and a useful amount of user data storage on board. This makes the Zombu a self contained computer which can operate without the need of a remote server for much of the time. The ThinLinx system could be cheaper an easier to manage in the long term, but it would be more difficult to get started.

Thinner Thick Thin Client

John Nichols' problem is to work out what features to build into the thin client. Each extra feature might only add a few dollars, but for a low cost device every dollar matters. How many customers will use the WiFi, Bluetooth, Compact Flash slot, SD/MMC socket or Ethernet? Some customers will use some features, but how many are willing to pay for all?

My suggestion would be to produce a thinner version of the HL300, which could be thickened by the customer. This would have the x86 compatible processor of the HL300, but with fewer interfaces and less memory. The WiFi, Bluetooth, Compact Flash slot and SD/MMC socket would be omitted. There would be 512 of RAM standard. Only 8 MB of Flash Memory would be provided by default. Extra communications (WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G) and memory (Compact Flash, SD/MMC or simple USB sticks) would be provided via USB. A typical configuration for a Zombu type thick client system would have a 4 Gbyte USB flash device for the operating system and office applications.

Australian Government Gets Message on Green Thin Client PCs for Schools

According to a media report, the new Australian Prime Minister had mentioned the use of thin client computers for schools. This was actually when opposition leader, and is in the ALP policy statement "A Digital Education Revolution", issued 14th November 2007.

However, I would suggest using "fat" thin Linux clients for education, rather than the thin clients typically deployed by business. Thin clients used in business will typically support Microsoft Windows applications running remotely with Citrix. Instead units can use Linux applications running from local storage on the client and then use the remote system for storage of documents and for remote web based applications. This lowers the cost and complexity of the system.

... The National Secondary School Computer Fund will allow secondary schools to apply for capital grants of up to $1 million to acquire new or upgrade information technology equipment.

This could include personal laptops or computers, thin clients with virtual desktops[1] and internet network infrastructure to plug our secondary schools into the information superhighway.

Under Labor’s plan, 99 per cent of school children will also get access to broadband connections of speeds up to 100 megabits per second at school through fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband infrastructure.

The other one per cent of students will get improved access at school, via the best available fixed line, wireless and satellite technologies.

Every secondary student in Australia will graduate into a digital world and a digital economy: that means every secondary school in the country needs to be a digital school. ...

From: Federal Labor's Education Revolution - A School Computer For Every Student In Years 9-12, Media Statement, ALP, Kevin Rudd, 14th November 2007

IN the lead-up to the November federal election, MPs from both sides of politics had a crash course in thin client technology - all in the name of climate change.

Kevin Rudd uttered the words 'thin client'

The intense lobbying finally paid off when then Opposition leader Kevin Rudd uttered the words "thin client" as he unveiled plans for secondary schools to apply for IT equipment grants of up to $1 million. Unlike traditional desktops, thin clients rely on servers instead of their own CPU to process instructions.

Because they are controlled by tech administrators rather than users, thin clients are less unruly and tend to have better security than their desktop cousins.

Apart from laptops and PCs, Mr Rudd said schools could also consider using "thin clients with virtual desktops".

His media statement even included a description of thin clients - "computer terminals that have their data and applications stored on a hard drive in a remote server". ...

Across the board, players in the thin client space claim their technology would be 40 to 80 per cent cheaper - including power consumption - than the traditional desktop computing environment.

From: Thin client lobbying pays off, by Fran Foo, Australian IT, December 11, 2007

Zonbu thin Linux Client Energy Efficiency

As I was going to demonstrate the Zonbu Linux PC at the the ACS Green ICT group, I thought I should check its actual power consumption. My first attempt was almost fatal, the second, showed is was much as expected and about one tenth that of a regular desktop PC.

Do Not Try This at Home

I set my digital multimeter to measure Amperes and prepared to attach it to the power terminals. There is then a simple calculation to convert Amps x Volts into Watts. But exactly what was the voltage? I thought I should check that works, so I connected the meter across the power terminals, neglecting to reset the meter first to measure voltage. The meter created a short circuit, there was a loud "BANG", a flash and a cloud of acrid smoke as the multimeter absorbed 10 Amps and saved me from serious injury or death.

Electricity Usage Monitor

I then purchased a purpose designed Electricity Usage Monitor this has a plug to fit into a standard wall socket and the appliance to be tested plugs into the meter. I obtained one for AU$39.90 with an Australian plug. The unit has a small LCD screen to show power measured and a few buttons. The specifications state it is accurate to +-10% or +- 10 Watts. Given that the device I am testing draws only a few tens of Watts, the measurements could be suspect.

To test the meter I plugged in some 60 Watt incandescent light bulbs, these were measured at between 61 and 63 Watts, suggesting the meter was within the 10% stated accuracy.

Connected my the Zonbu computer the power measured was between 14 and 19 Watts. The power supply is rated at 20 Watts, so this is a reasonable reading.

For comparison I measured the power for my Twinhead subnotebook computer. To make a fair comparison, I removed the battery. This gave a wider range of readings than for the Zonbu:

Booting: 34 W
Screen off: 12W
Screen on: 17W

Installing the battery increased the power consumption by 5 Watts. This was when the batter was charged, indiciating the charging circuit was drawi9ng a significant amount of power.

I will test a desktop computer when I have one to hand.

Printing and Banking with the Zonbu

After three days with the Zonbu thin client computer I stared to forget it was any different to any other desktop computer. I had a query from a "Sundowner" asking how it would go in a caravan and for banking. It should work well in a vehicle and I would be more confident of the security of a Linux computer than a Windows one for Internet banking (St George's Internet banking worked fine).
Adding a pinter will cause confusion for many people. By default documents are "printed" to PDF files and that works very well. When I plugged my old Cannon i250 ink jet printer in, the system recognized it, but then offered me an Apple printer driver. This Cannon is not in the list, and when I went to check the web what to use instead (turned out to be a bjc-7000), I somehow stopped the printer installation wit a CUPS error. The system then locked and I had to turn off the power to restart the machine. I have not been able to install a printer using the utility. While the computer locking up is annoying, my Windows XP laptop does this every few days (I then have to remove the batter to restart it) and have regular problems with printers under Windows.

The Zonbu certainly looks robust enough to survive being used in a caravan. I am not sure about RF output for a Caravan TV, you might be better off with an LCD TV which has VGA input as well.

You will need a 12 to 5 Volt adapter to run it from a car battery and will need someone to solder the unusual three pin DIN plug on the adaptor.

My limited experience of Telstra Next G is that it works fine. Just be careful of the data charges and that you get a data interface which does not need special software on the computer. I have found plugging wireless into a router and the router into the computer eliminates a lot of problems. The NetComm N3G001W 3G Wireless Router works with NextG, but is not cheap.

Security for Internet banking should be better with the Zonbu than with a Windows computer. But if your bank has any Windows/Internet Explorer specific software it may not work. I tried it with St George Bank and it worked fine.

ps: Another option would be the ASUS Eee PC diskless Linux subnotebook computer. This has a similar processor and software to the Zonbu, but includes a screen, keyboard and battery. But the last time I checked, these were not available in Australia.

The soft worked satisfactorily on a high speed Internet connection, I took it home to try my slower 256/64 kbps wireless iBurst link. As expected this worked okay; the applications and data are stored in local flash memory, along with documents. It is only when you need something from the Internet, such as the Zonbu documentation, which is on the web, you notice the slowness.

Zonbu at Home

After the Zonbu thin client computer worked satisfactorily on a high speed Internet connection, I took it home to try my slower 256/64 kbps wireless iBurst link. As expected this worked okay; the applications and data are stored in local flash memory, along with documents. It is only when you need something from the Internet, such as the Zonbu documentation, which is on the web, you notice the slowness.

The unit worked successfully with a different mouse, keyboard and screen. On booting the unit detected a large DELL 2405FPW LCD wide screen was installed and the Zonbu set the resolution ot the screen's native 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, giving a very good image. Unfortunately, even with this large screen the "large" system font is still too small for comfortable reading.

A USB external hard disk (originally from a Windows XP laptop) was connected and worked satisfactorily, with the Windows files being accessible. The WiFi USB was attached, was recognized by the software and several WiFi stations were detected.

One issue is the effect of files copied to Zonbu Online Storage on my limited broadband allocation. Data is being continuously uploaded. This does not seem to effect the web use, but there were 204 items in the queue to be uploaded at one stage. So optimization of this process may be possible as it is unlikely that many of the temporary working files need to be backed up.

After several hours of use the reason for the heavy aluminum case for th Zonbu became apparent, the whole case became warm, apparently acting as a heat sink for the CPU. When mounted tower style, the fins on the sides carry away heat, but the top becomes almost uncomfortably warm to touch. The top of the case was the hottest to touch. With the room temperature now at a comfortable 20 degrees, it would be interesting to see how hot the unit would get on a Canberra day of 40 degrees.

Booting the Zonbu

Having obtained the password and user id for the Zonbu thin client computer, I plugged in the screen keyboard and network connection, then booted it. It took 80 seconds to boot Linux, which is reasonable and then after entering the user id and password another 30 seconds to bring up the desktop. Later I found that the system was loading OpenOffice.Org at startup and turning this option off may speed the system.

The results were an anti-climax, being a slightly customized Kubuntu looking desktop. There is a n image of a hobbit-like turf covered building as the background to the desktop. The applications have been pared down, but Firefox 2 and OpenOffice.org 2.3 are present and work as expected. PDF documents display using Adobe Reader 7.0.

There was no documentation or "read me" file apparent on the desktop. But opening Firefox took me to the Zonbu support page. There are some parameter settings which some sort of wizard tool would be useful in helping the user with. As an example the time zone is set for US West Coast. Another difficulty was that the default font and icon sizes are too small for me to see comfortably, even after using "Desktop Setting" to "Large". This could be a problem if the units are sold to older computer users with poor eyesight.

Documents created with the OpenOffice.Org word processor are saved to a documents folder on the desktop. These documents are then periodically copied to Zonbu Online Storage. I was able to create a document with the network disabled and this document was copied to the online storage when the network was reconnected.

A "Storage Settings" utility shows that 2.58 mb of the 2 gbytes of online storage has been used so far. 2GB is the minimum amount supplied by Zonbu, for a monthly fee more can be purchased. The local cache is shown as using 11.05 mbytes out of 2.49 GB. Presumably the other 2.51 GB of the 4 GB flash card is taken up with the operating system and applications.

Here is a sample of the "upload.log" showing the files copied to the online storage. It should be noted that not only are user created documents copied but also files such as the web browser cookies and even deleted files in the trash:

/Desktop/third copy of bp2_expense.pdf
/Desktop/third copy of Aus_Greens_FTA.mp4
/.config/xfce4/desktop/icons.screen0.rc.6101.tmp
/.config/xfce4/desktop/icons.screen0.rc
del:/.config/xfce4/desktop/icons.screen0.rc.6101.tmp
/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies-1.txt
/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies.txt
del:/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies-1.txt
/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies-1.txt
/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies.txt
del:/.mozilla/firefox/3ijd1xdq.default/cookies-1.txt
/.gconfd/saved_state
/.gconfd/saved_state.tmp
/.gconfd/saved_state.orig
del:/.gconfd/saved_state
/.gconfd/saved_state
del:/.gconfd/saved_state.tmp
del:/.gconfd/saved_state.orig

When first booted the system seemed a little slow, but after a few minutes a prompt saying the system software had been updated and I should reboot. The system then got faster, presumably having been busy downloading the update. The software download was no more annoying than updates to Microsoft Windows. As delivered the software was Zonbu 6.971 and the download took this to 7.1008.

This is all being done on a broadband connection, operating at about 1.6 Mbps. It will be interesting to see how well the system performs on my slower 256/64 kbps wireless iBurst link. As the applications are stored in local flash memory, along with documents, the system should work acceptably with a slow broadband connection. In thin client terminology, this is a "thick" thin client, with the processing happening locally in the desktop box.

To test the audio I played a video, and in the process discovered several useful videos about the Zonbu. Curiously the person demonstrating how to unbox the Zonbu has an Australian accent:

1. Unboxing the Zonbu
2. Zonbu Linux
3. zonbu $99 linux box tour
4. How to change the Compact Flash card of the Zonbu Mini

Some technical details:

pcor@localhost ~ $ uname -a
Linux localhost 2.6.22.4-zonbu.1 #1 PREEMPT Tue Oct 23 21:32:41 EDT 2007 i686 VIA Esther processor 1200MHz CentaurHauls GNU/Linux
pcor@localhost ~ $ cat /proc/cpuinfo
processor : 0
vendor_id : CentaurHauls
cpu family : 6
model : 10
model name : VIA Esther processor 1200MHz
stepping : 9
cpu MHz : 1197.048
cache size : 128 KB
fdiv_bug : no
hlt_bug : no
f00f_bug : no
coma_bug : no
fpu : yes
fpu_exception : yes
cpuid level : 1
wp : yes
flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge cmov pat clflush acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 tm nx pni est tm2 rng rng_en ace ace_en ace2 ace2_en phe phe_en pmm pmm_en
bogomips : 2394.70
clflush size : 64

pcor@localhost ~ $ cat /proc/meminfo
MemTotal: 449408 kB
MemFree: 8812 kB
Buffers: 15368 kB
Cached: 235272 kB
SwapCached: 0 kB
Active: 194092 kB
Inactive: 161536 kB
SwapTotal: 393208 kB
SwapFree: 393152 kB
Dirty: 68 kB
Writeback: 0 kB
AnonPages: 105016 kB
Mapped: 82580 kB
Slab: 14064 kB
SReclaimable: 5452 kB
SUnreclaim: 8612 kB
PageTables: 2732 kB
NFS_Unstable: 0 kB
Bounce: 0 kB
CommitLimit: 617912 kB
Committed_AS: 420988 kB
VmallocTotal: 581332 kB
VmallocUsed: 8128 kB
VmallocChunk: 573136 kB
pcor@localhost ~ $ xdpyinfo
name of display: :0.0
version number: 11.0
vendor string: The X.Org Foundation
vendor release number: 70101000
X.Org version: 7.1.1
maximum request size: 16777212 bytes
motion buffer size: 256
bitmap unit, bit order, padding: 32, LSBFirst, 32
image byte order: LSBFirst
number of supported pixmap formats: 7
supported pixmap formats:
depth 1, bits_per_pixel 1, scanline_pad 32
depth 4, bits_per_pixel 8, scanline_pad 32
depth 8, bits_per_pixel 8, scanline_pad 32
depth 15, bits_per_pixel 16, scanline_pad 32
depth 16, bits_per_pixel 16, scanline_pad 32
depth 24, bits_per_pixel 32, scanline_pad 32
depth 32, bits_per_pixel 32, scanline_pad 32
keycode range: minimum 8, maximum 255
focus: window 0x2000021, revert to Parent
number of extensions: 29
BIG-REQUESTS
Composite
DAMAGE
DPMS
Extended-Visual-Information
GLX
MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
MIT-SHM
MIT-SUNDRY-NONSTANDARD
RANDR
RENDER
SECURITY
SGI-GLX
SHAPE
SYNC
TOG-CUP
X-Resource
XC-APPGROUP
XC-MISC
XFIXES
XFree86-Bigfont
XFree86-DGA
XFree86-DRI
XFree86-Misc
XFree86-VidModeExtension
XInputExtension
XKEYBOARD
XTEST
XVideo
default screen number: 0
number of screens: 1

screen #0:
print screen: no
dimensions: 1280x1024 pixels (342x271 millimeters)
resolution: 95x96 dots per inch
depths (7): 16, 1, 4, 8, 15, 24, 32
root window id: 0x48
depth of root window: 16 planes
number of colormaps: minimum 1, maximum 1
default colormap: 0x20
default number of colormap cells: 64
preallocated pixels: black 0, white 65535
options: backing-store NO, save-unders NO
largest cursor: 1280x1024
current input event mask: 0x7a802c
ButtonPressMask ButtonReleaseMask LeaveWindowMask
ExposureMask StructureNotifyMask SubstructureNotifyMask
SubstructureRedirectMask FocusChangeMask PropertyChangeMask
number of visuals: 12
default visual id: 0x22
visual:
visual id: 0x22
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x23
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x24
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x25
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x26
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x27
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x28
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x29
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2a
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2b
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2c
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2d
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
pcor@localhost ~ $ xdpyinfo|more
name of display: :0.0
version number: 11.0
vendor string: The X.Org Foundation
vendor release number: 70101000
X.Org version: 7.1.1
maximum request size: 16777212 bytes
motion buffer size: 256
bitmap unit, bit order, padding: 32, LSBFirst, 32
image byte order: LSBFirst
number of supported pixmap formats: 7
supported pixmap formats:
depth 1, bits_per_pixel 1, scanline_pad 32
depth 4, bits_per_pixel 8, scanline_pad 32
depth 8, bits_per_pixel 8, scanline_pad 32
depth 15, bits_per_pixel 16, scanline_pad 32
depth 16, bits_per_pixel 16, scanline_pad 32
depth 24, bits_per_pixel 32, scanline_pad 32
depth 32, bits_per_pixel 32, scanline_pad 32
keycode range: minimum 8, maximum 255
focus: window 0x2000021, revert to Parent
number of extensions: 29
BIG-REQUESTS
Composite
DAMAGE
DPMS
Extended-Visual-Information
GLX
MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
MIT-SHM
MIT-SUNDRY-NONSTANDARD
RANDR
RENDER
SECURITY
SGI-GLX
SHAPE
SYNC
TOG-CUP
X-Resource
XC-APPGROUP
XC-MISC
XFIXES
XFree86-Bigfont
XFree86-DGA
XFree86-DRI
XFree86-Misc
XFree86-VidModeExtension
XInputExtension
XKEYBOARD
XTEST
XVideo
default screen number: 0
number of screens: 1

screen #0:
print screen: no
dimensions: 1280x1024 pixels (342x271 millimeters)
resolution: 95x96 dots per inch
depths (7): 16, 1, 4, 8, 15, 24, 32
root window id: 0x48
depth of root window: 16 planes
number of colormaps: minimum 1, maximum 1
default colormap: 0x20
default number of colormap cells: 64
preallocated pixels: black 0, white 65535
options: backing-store NO, save-unders NO
largest cursor: 1280x1024
current input event mask: 0x7a802c
ButtonPressMask ButtonReleaseMask LeaveWindowMask
ExposureMask StructureNotifyMask SubstructureNotifyMask
SubstructureRedirectMask FocusChangeMask PropertyChangeMask
number of visuals: 12
default visual id: 0x22
visual:
visual id: 0x22
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x23
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x24
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x25
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x26
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x27
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x28
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x29
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2a
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2b
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2c
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
visual:
visual id: 0x2d
class: TrueColor
depth: 16 planes
available colormap entries: 64 per subfield
red, green, blue masks: 0xf800, 0x7e0, 0x1f
significant bits in color specification: 6 bits
pcor@localhost ~ $ glxinfo
name of display: :0.0
display: :0 screen: 0
direct rendering: Yes
server glx vendor string: SGI
server glx version string: 1.2
server glx extensions:
GLX_ARB_multisample, GLX_EXT_visual_info, GLX_EXT_visual_rating,
GLX_EXT_import_context, GLX_EXT_texture_from_pixmap, GLX_OML_swap_method,
GLX_SGI_make_current_read, GLX_SGIS_multisample, GLX_SGIX_hyperpipe,
GLX_SGIX_swap_barrier, GLX_SGIX_fbconfig
client glx vendor string: SGI
client glx version string: 1.4
client glx extensions:
GLX_ARB_get_proc_address, GLX_ARB_multisample, GLX_EXT_import_context,
GLX_EXT_visual_info, GLX_EXT_visual_rating, GLX_MESA_allocate_memory,
GLX_MESA_copy_sub_buffer, GLX_MESA_swap_control,
GLX_MESA_swap_frame_usage, GLX_OML_swap_method, GLX_OML_sync_control,
GLX_SGI_make_current_read, GLX_SGI_swap_control, GLX_SGI_video_sync,
GLX_SGIS_multisample, GLX_SGIX_fbconfig, GLX_SGIX_pbuffer,
GLX_SGIX_visual_select_group, GLX_EXT_texture_from_pixmap
GLX version: 1.2
GLX extensions:
GLX_ARB_get_proc_address, GLX_ARB_multisample, GLX_EXT_import_context,
GLX_EXT_visual_info, GLX_EXT_visual_rating, GLX_MESA_swap_control,
GLX_MESA_swap_frame_usage, GLX_OML_swap_method, GLX_SGI_video_sync,
GLX_SGIS_multisample, GLX_SGIX_fbconfig
OpenGL vendor string: VIA Technology
OpenGL renderer string: Mesa DRI UniChrome 20060710 x86/MMX/SSE2
OpenGL version string: 1.2 Mesa 6.5.1
OpenGL extensions:
GL_ARB_imaging, GL_ARB_multisample, GL_ARB_multitexture,
GL_ARB_point_parameters, GL_ARB_texture_env_add,
GL_ARB_texture_env_combine, GL_ARB_texture_mirrored_repeat,
GL_ARB_transpose_matrix, GL_ARB_window_pos, GL_EXT_abgr, GL_EXT_bgra,
GL_EXT_blend_color, GL_EXT_blend_minmax, GL_EXT_blend_subtract,
GL_EXT_clip_volume_hint, GL_EXT_compiled_vertex_array, GL_EXT_convolution,
GL_EXT_copy_texture, GL_EXT_draw_range_elements, GL_EXT_fog_coord,
GL_EXT_histogram, GL_EXT_packed_pixels, GL_EXT_point_parameters,
GL_EXT_polygon_offset, GL_EXT_rescale_normal, GL_EXT_secondary_color,
GL_EXT_separate_specular_color, GL_EXT_stencil_wrap, GL_EXT_subtexture,
GL_EXT_texture, GL_EXT_texture3D, GL_EXT_texture_edge_clamp,
GL_EXT_texture_env_add, GL_EXT_texture_env_combine,
GL_EXT_texture_lod_bias, GL_EXT_texture_object, GL_EXT_vertex_array,
GL_APPLE_packed_pixels, GL_IBM_rasterpos_clip,
GL_IBM_texture_mirrored_repeat, GL_MESA_window_pos, GL_NV_blend_square,
GL_NV_light_max_exponent, GL_NV_texgen_reflection, GL_OES_read_format,
GL_SGI_color_matrix, GL_SGI_color_table, GL_SGIS_texture_edge_clamp,
GL_SGIS_texture_lod

visual x bf lv rg d st colorbuffer ax dp st accumbuffer ms cav
id dep cl sp sz l ci b ro r g b a bf th cl r g b a ns b eat
----------------------------------------------------------------------
0x22 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 24 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x23 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 24 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x24 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x25 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x26 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x27 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
0x28 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 24 8 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow
0x29 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 24 8 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow
0x2a 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 16 0 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow
0x2b 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 16 0 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow
0x2c 16 tc 0 16 0 r y . 5 6 5 0 0 0 0 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow
0x2d 16 tc 0 16 0 r . . 5 6 5 0 0 0 0 16 16 16 0 0 0 Slow

Zonbu Thin Client Linux Computer in Australia

The Zonbu thin client Linux computer I ordered on 8 November arrived at the ANU Post Office in Canberra on 13 November, which is within the six days promised. Using USPS Priority Mail International had one catch, which is that a signature was required for collection. As a result delivery was delayed a day and I had to go to the post office. This may seem a trivial matter, but in the past I have had to wait a week until I could get to a post office to collect an item. If Zonbu could dispense with the signature requirement, that would be better.

Packaging

The unit arrived in a cardboard box 280 x 225 x 160 mm weighing less than one kilogram. One of my colleagues who was with me was surprised when I told them this contained a computer with accessories. There may be an advantages in terms of security for the inconspicuous nature of the system. Thieves who do not notice you have a new computer, or recognize the device as a computer at all, will be less likely to target it.

The delivery box held the Zonbu unit in a cardboard box, slightly smaller than the shipping box, a Belkin USB WiFi adapter and Australia power plug adaptor. The Zonbu box had molded "egg crate" cardboard packing around the computer, power supply and stand. There was one A4 folded sheet of instructions and one A4 folded sheet of safety instructions. The box was delightfully free of the plastic bags, plastic foam pellets, CD-ROM disks, tapes and other extraneous packaging which computers usually arrive with.

The Zonbu computer itself is only 170 x 125 x 55 mm. The great surprise is how heavy the unit is. The case appears to be made from cast aluminum, rather than the expected plastic. The top and bottom are finned with recessed ventilation slots. The unit appears to have been designed to overcome the problem common to desk top TV boxes which are placed in a stack with other devices, resulting in a lack of ventilation. I was able to stand on the unit on one foot with no apparent harm and expect it would survive being driven over by a car. A stand for propping the PC up on end (as a mini-mini-mini-tower computer) was also supplied. This stand also appears over engineered, being a black anodized aluminum extrusion.

One problem is the case is too small to stand an LCD monitor on. Had the case been made 50% wider, ( 250 mm), it would then be ideal for putting under the monitor. This is a problem common to earlier thin client computers. Some years ago I suggested to Labtam that they put the thin client computers they were selling to us at the Australian Department of Defense in larger PC-like cases, complete with a false CD-ROM drive bay. This was partly a matter of perception, with the end user feeling they were not getting a proper computer, if they only got a tiny inconspicuous box. But there were also practical reasons for having a large box compatible with PC accessories.

The Zonbu's aluminum case may slide around the desk pulled by cables. Also the case is not completely flat and will rock when placed on a hard flat surface. The case is so heavy and solid these are unlikely to be serious problems, but rubber feet would be a useful addition.

Power supply

The Zonbu comes with a 4 Amp 20 Watt plug pack power supply which will run from 100 to 240 V AC and delivers 5 Volts. The power supply uses an unusual 3 pin DIN plug, which could make use of alternate supplies difficult. An optional US to Australian power plug adapter was ordered. The safety and reliability of this unit appears questionable and in practice it might be better to simply bend the pins on the power supply to fit an Australian, New Zealand or Chinese socket (subject to safety advice).


Setup

The Instruction sheet with the unit was the briefest for any computer I have seen. Diagrams showed the plugs and sockets on the front and back of the unit. The unit has a total of six USB sockets (five on the back and one on the front). There are also Ethernet, min-DIN mouse and keyboard plugs, VGA video, power and a microphone and speaker sockets (also used for VoIP with the included Skype software). On the back panel there is a "hard" power rocker switch and a "soft" software controlled power switch on the front.

A CF card slot holds a supplied SanDisk 4 GB flash memory card in place of a hard disk. The eject button for the CF card protrudes beyond the edge of the case and may cause the card to be antecedently ejected. It would be better if this button retraced into the case, as is common on laptops, or was omitted completely (the card should not be removed in normal use and can be prised out with a fingernail on the rare occasions this is needed).

The provision of old style min-DIN mouse and keyboard plugs is useful, allowing old peripherals to be used, although the generous number of USB plus would allow for USB keyboard and mouse to be used. Also the min-DIN plus may be confusing for a younger computer user who has never seen a non USB keyboard and it is not clear from the instructions if a USB mouse and keyboard can be used.

The provision of VGA as the only video connection may be limiting for some Internet Appliance applications. One very serious omission from the case is a security cable anchor point, such as a "Kensington Security Slot". Without a way to physically secure the unit, it would be very vulnerable to theft in the educational and corporate environment, as the unit could be placed in an overcoat pocket. But given the very solid aluminum case a security anchor could be added, or the unit simply screwed to a desk or wall.

Instructions

The instructions have two simple steps: first to connect the cables and then to turn on the computer. At this point I was stuck as the last line says: "You should have received your login and password in a welcome email". But the computer was ordered via the ANU and so that message would have gone to the purchasing officer. It will take me a while to track down. Zonbu should point out when ordering that the user id will be sent by email.

Ordered Zonbu Thin Client Linux Computer

I ordered a Zonbu thin client Linux computer as an experiment to see it is practical as a consumer product. It cost $US312.94 with accessories and delivery. The order took 7 minutes 26 seconds to complete, with one series problem encountered, which is reasonable for a moderately complex product (but more than it should take for such an inexpensive one).

The Zonbu was ordered via the web site using a credit card at 3:43 PM on 8 November 2007. Using the cheapest shipping method (USPS Priority Mail International) it is supposed to take 3 to 6 days. It will be interesting to see when it turns up.

Along with the Zonbu Desktop (with no monthly subscription), I ordered a USB Wifi Dongle, and an International plug adapter for Australia. One point of confusion is that the "Shopping Wizard" did not offer the adapter plug as one of the accessories in the standard purchasing dialog. I had to go back and click on "Accessories" after the other items. It is unlikely the average consumer would know they need the plug or be able to find it if not promoted. Zonbu need to change the dialog to offer the adapter, perhaps only if the customer enters an Australian shipping address.

The Australian power plugs are also used in New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. They are also usually compatible with those for China and Argentina.

Computer in a wall socket

Desktop computers are getting smaller, but Chip PC Inc seem to have taken it to the extreme with the Jack Pc. This is a thin client PC built into a wall socket. The idea is that you replace the Ethernet socket on the wall with one which has the whole computer built into it, then you plug your screen, keyboard and other peripherals straight into the wall socket.

A computer in a wall would have a few advantages: it would be harder to steal and would save desk space. This could be particularly useful in classrooms and computer labs. However, instead of just two cables from the wall (power and data), there would be numerous ones to peripherals. The computer box on the desk acts as a cable concentrator. Also it would be much harder to maintain the Jack PC as you would have to remove it from the wall (but then perhaps thin clients do not need much maintenance).

Chip PC also sell desktop thin client computers.