Ubuntu netbook is colored to match

By Jonathan Angel
2009-08-14

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Berkeley, Calif.-based system integrator ZaReason is selling a netbook that includes Ubuntu, and even is available with a matching "mocha" case. The Terra A20 includes the usual Intel Atom N270 CPU, a 10-inch display, a 160GB hard disk drive, and an optional internal cellular modem, the company says.

Linux is offered on too few netbooks, and often gets relegated to low-end models with miniscule SSDs (solid-state disks). (Dell, which offers Ubuntu on some of its models, recently refuted Microsoft's claims that return rates are higher on Linux-equipped netbooks.)

Zareason's Terra A20 one-ups even Dell by offering preinstalled Ubuntu 9.04 (and Edbuntu and Kubuntu too) on a netbook that's as full-featured as most any other. Not only that, the device is even available in a mocha case complete with Ubuntu logo, as pictured below.

ZaReason's Terra A20
(Click to enlarge)

The Terra A20, presumably a product of an unnamed Taiwanese OEM, includes 802.11b/g/n wireless networking. An extra $100 on top of the netbook's price buys an internal cellular modem that provides HSDPA/UMTS on the 850/1900/2100MHz bands and GPRS on 850/900/1800/1900MHz, ZaReason says. (This seems like a boon for anyone who'd wanted a cellular modem but wondered if they could find Linux support for it.)

Other than this, the device provides typical netbook ingredients, including the Intel Atom N270 and the evergreen 945GSE (945GCSE northbridge and 82801GBM southbridge) chipset. Storage is courtesy of hard disk drives ranging from an entry-level 160GB that spins at 5400rpm to a 500GB unit, or of SSDs ranging from 16B to 160GB in size.

The Terra A20 has three USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a VGA port, and headphone and microphone outputs, according to ZaReason. It is also equipped with a SD card slot.

Without specifying the number of cells in the Terra's battery, ZaReason says the device will last about 3.5 hours on a charge. Spare battery packs are said to be available for just $40 apiece.

Features and specifications listed by ZaReason for the Terra A20 include the following:

Processor -- Intel Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz
Memory -- 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 RAM
Display -- 10-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution
Camera -- VGA-resolution webcam
Storage:
- Hard disks from 160GB to 500GB
- Solid-state disks from 16GB to 160GB
Networking:
- LAN -- Ethernet port (10/100 presumed)
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
- WAN -- Optional cellular modem with HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100MHz) and GPRS (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
Other I/O:
- 3 x USB 2.0
- 1 x VGA
- Headphone and microphone outputs
Expansion -- SD slot
Battery life -- 3.5 hours
Dimensions -- n/s
Weight -- 2.8 pounds

Availability

According to ZaReason, the Terra A20 is available now, with prices that start at $350 for a 1GB/160GB configuration. Purchasers may select either Ubuntu, Edubuntu, or Kubuntu.

More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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