Vodafone Webbook with Ubuntu software launched

Vodafone Webbook launched in South Africa with Ubuntu software for R1,499

Staff Writer

October 18, 2011

Vodacom today (18 October 2011) announced that it is the first Vodafone operating company to launch the Vodafone Webbook.

Vodacom said that the device is expected to “bring simplified, value-added internet access to thousands of South Africans, many of whom have until now had no access, or have depended on cellphones for internet connectivity”.

The Vodafone Webbook weighs less than 1 kg, has a 10″ LCD screen, 512MB of memory and an additional 4GB of storage space.

“The Vodafone Webbook is going to offer the end user a compelling, mobile or at-home computing experience at an affordable price. We think this device is going to be particularly important and attractive for the emerging market,” said Chris Ross, Managing Executive: Commercial Development at Vodacom.

Speaking about the Ubuntu software, Mark Shuttleworth said: “We are delighted to provide the operating system for the Vodafone Webbook. Ubuntu’s founding principle is to remove the barriers of access to computing for everyone, and products like this give hope of connectivity to people all over the world.”

Vodafone Webbook

The prices of the Vodafone Webbook are as follows:

As a standalone device with a prepaid option: R1,499 including VAT.
With a prepaid Starter Pack: R1,899 including VAT (Starter Pack includes a modem, SIM card and 100MB of data per month for 12 months).
With a Contract option, the device with a modem will be priced at R189 on a standard My Meg 500 for 24 months.
A Top Up option is also available and includes a modem and 100MB of data per month for 3 months @ R169 on a Top Up 135.

The Vodafone Webbook will be available at Vodacom World and all participating outlets on order from 19 October 2011.