Vodafone brings ARM and Ubuntu together for South African Webbook

If you don't know what Ubuntu is by now, we're not sure what tech blog you're reading -- 'cause it sure isn't this one. Ok, so finding a computer with the world's most popular Linux distro preloaded on it isn't exactly easy (there aren't any lurking in your local Best Buy, that's for sure). But, tracking down a machine running the Ocelot in South Africa will be getting a bit simpler. The country's Vodafone affiliate, Vodacom, launched the Webbook -- a 10-inch laptop running Ubuntu 11.10 on a Cortex A8-based Freescale i.MX51 processor (likely 800MHz). Inside is also 512MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, enough for basic browsing. The Webbook is available now, starting at R1,499 (about $190) for just the device, and climbing up to R1,899 (about $245) for the Webbook, modem and 100MB of monthly data for 12 months. There's also an on-contract option, which nets you the pile of hardware, plus 500MB of data for R189 a month and a two year commitment. Check out the pair of press releases after the break, as well as one more photo of the device

Show full PR text

Vodafone Webbook launched in South Africa with Ubuntu software
Tuesday, 18 October 2011

JOHANNESBURG, 18 0ctober 2011 - Vodacom today announced that it is the first Vodafone operating company to launch the Vodafone Webbook, which 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 device is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing less than 1 kg. The Vodafone Webbook is presented with 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," says Chris Ross, Managing Executive: Commercial Development at Vodacom.

With the Vodafone Webbook, Vodacom customers will be able to enjoy a portable internet experience with the Ubuntu operating system with various software applications, 24 months warranty and free software updates.

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system that is a free, fast, easy-to-use, and open source computer programme that was pioneered by Mark Shuttleworth.

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."

The accessibility of the device will also be driven through its affordability with various pricing options available. The prices of the Vodafone Webbook are as follows:

• As a standalone device with a prepaid option: R1499 including VAT.

• With a prepaid Starter Pack: R1899 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.

Show full PR text

Vodafone Webbook with Ubuntu software launched in South Africa

London 18th October: Canonical today announces that Vodacom, the African subsidiary of Vodafone, has launched the Vodafone Webbook, which is available to users exclusively with the Ubuntu software. The goal of the product is to bring an affordable, full-featured online computing experience to millions of young South Africans to whom owning a personal computer has to date been impossible.

The Webbook is a slim, lightweight and sleek design that matches perfectly with the intended mobile computing usage. The product features Ubuntu's incredibly easy-to-use, intuitive and highly graphical interface. It comes packed with applications and access to hundreds more from the scientific research tools to fun games for the family. It also innovates through use of an ARM processor to drive the device, and reduce cost and power usage.

"Ubuntu's founding principle is to remove the barriers of access to computing for everyone," said Mark Shuttleworth, founder and product strategist at Canonical. "Products like this give hope of connectivity to the three billion people of our planet who are unconnected today. It's a step, we hope one of many more, that puts people on a level playing field in terms of the tools they use and the worlds they can explore," says Mark.

Speaking about the Webbook, Chris Ross, Managing Executive of Commercial Development at Vodacom said: "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."

The device is evidence of a growing trend in emerging markets to look at alternative technologies to drive the huge growth in IT and telco usage. Ubuntu has seen substantial growth in China, India and across the developing world as a legal, full-featured and flexible technology that offers manufacturers and purchasers a real alternative that embraces an operating system, a compelling application stack and access to the cloud. Ubuntu's ability to run on Intel and ARM chipsets also gives flexibility on cost, especially important in markets where every dollar saved can make a real impact on the success of a product.