Simmbook: cheap Ubuntu netbook

[w1z4rd]

Those are pretty generic specs for a netbook. The only thing that's really bringing down the price is the lack of an MS OS.

Although, why in the world does it show the netbook is running Windows XP and not uBuntu 9.10???

Click me to see

Are you sure thats Windows XP?

http://www.linuxsoft.cz/screenshot_distr/141-a.jpg
http://www.linuxidc.com/Linux/2008-07/14327.htm

 

[fdaniels]

Look good. I am just REALLLLLLY frustrated with SA resellers. They are going to milk us for all that we are worth.

 

[tokeloshe]

I will contact Simmtronics to find out more.

For the time being, the best netbook deal I know about is this one:
http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58&products_id=2541&zenid=124c6ab9009e1eafb6280a9d5e3252bb

Under R 3000 looks pretty good for 250 gigs and win7.
Edit: apparently it also has a wonderful touchpad.

 

[mannemerak]

Feedback from Simmtronics

I got some feedback direct from Simmtronics.
They emailed me the brochure with prices. There are 3 flavours, Simmbook-LV, SV and PV.
The LV is the $190 version, but all the news stories are misprints, it is a 512MB, 80G HDD, NO Wifi, Black only version. The SV is the 1GB, 160GB HDD version, but is $250. ($20 extra for 6-cell version, it has a miniPCI slot for Wifi adapter).

I am now requesting shipping costs.
Also pretty sure the SA Gov will want a cut as-well.

Turning out not to be that great of a deal - except if Canonical SA picks this up and imports a couple.

Terms & Conditions
1. Freight is extra.
2. Shipping from Dubai / India.
3. Payment – Credit Card / TT- wire Transfer.
4. Delivery time: Shipment within 7 days subject to availability of stocks
5. Warranty – 1 year return to Bench / local office / shipping base. RMA authorization required before shipment.
6. DOA – immediate swap after verification.: Physical Damage / Warranty Seal broken will not be accepted.

 

[SJB]

Under R 3000 looks pretty good for 250 gigs and win7.
Edit: apparently it also has a wonderful touchpad.

What is the cheapest linux netbook in SA, min req is 160MB/1GB capable of running Ubuntu? I'm not planning to make MS rich... (sorry too late)

 

[ponder]

I'm waiting for a decent ARM based netbook.

 

[kingrob]

I want one of the new 11.6'' netbooks with dual-core Atom CPUs....preferably a Dell. I love Dell.

 

[kaspaas]

How important is a built in 3G card for a netbook?

To me it seems quite important if one would use it as a mobile office.

 

[ic]

How important is a built in 3G card for a netbook?

To me it seems quite important if one would use it as a mobile office.

Fiddling with an external modem tethered via USB cable is inconvenient, but a USB dongle modem without the need for a USB cable should negate the need for an internal modem.

If one has a USB dongle modem, and enough USB ports [never enough on a netbook], and decent netbook battery life [never enough of that either], then I don't think an internal modem is necessary, and one can then sell an old modem and replace it with a newer modem if necessary without having to buy a new netbook...

 

[news24]

Look good. I am just REALLLLLLY frustrated with SA resellers. They are going to milk us for all that we are worth.

Then be a reseller, and we will see how custom taxes and product guarantees contribute to your final price.

 

[kaspaas]

Then be a reseller, and we will see how custom taxes and product guarantees contribute to your final price.

Well said.

The most important aspect of the Simmbook is that even the iPad will be judged against an Simmbook for value for money.

Others will follow the Simmbook in decent bottom of the range products at excellent pricing.

 

[kingrob]

Then be a reseller, and we will see how custom taxes and product guarantees contribute to your final price.

I dont want resellers in SA, I want to buy directly from HP SA, or Asus SA. If they can do it in other countries, why not here?

 

[mannemerak]

Bundled order

I already have friends and family that want one.
Anyone else in the Cape Town area interested in participating in a bundled order from Dubai. (to get shipping costs down; I am still awaiting expected shipping and tax)

 

[mannemerak]

So, no takers.
Canonical, IBM and Simmtronics have stopped responding to my emails - I am getting to pesky it seems.

 

[mannemerak]

So Simmtronics can ship from Dubai for $80.
That makes no sense to call this a cheap alternative for the developing world.

 

[Budza]

What a let down. Read through this thread, went to their site. They do not even have an option for Africa! WTF can they claim to be helping the developing world?

You got conned, Shuttleworth.

There are too many of these article on MyADSL- just end up being hot air. No wonder the IBIWISI school of thought is so pervasive here

 

[SabreWolfy]

Yeah, the "Order Online" link in the original article now shows a "404" page.