Is Zonbu the next revolution?

 (right), a start-up from French entrepreneurs Gregoire Gentil (Twingo) and Alain Rossmann (EO, OpenWave), combines a cellphone business model with open source software to deliver a complete Linux-based PC for as little as $99 and .

The box is pre-loaded with a host of open source freeware — Linux, Firefox, OpenOffice, Skype, – all supported online. That includes online backup.

There’s no floppy disk, . Just plug in your current keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, up to six USB devices, and you’re good to go.

By dumping the input and output, you have a two-pound box you can toss in a carry-on for a business trip, although what the TSA guys will think the first time they see it is anyone’s guess.

Since it’s designed like a laptop, it has a laptop’s energy requirements. And if you want colors, you can get .

Zonbu combines a host of trends — Internet computing, open source, cellular business models, laptop design, SaaS – in one box. It will be fun to see if this takes off.

Just remember the risk. If this company goes belly-up in six months, you’ve got a hunk of useless metal.

Do you think it will?

Is Zonbu a winner or a loser?

• 
  Winner
• 
  Loser