The New Nimbus Cloud Computer is Free. Yep, F.R.E.E.
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Last summer at a Chicago tech event, I met Entrepreneur Vijay Das, who told me about his new startup, the Nimbus Cloud Computer. Ever since then I have been waiting for the day to be able to tell you about what he is doing, because it knocked my socks off.
It’s simple, brilliant, and an unbelievably great concept.
The machine is simply a small device that hooks up to the internet, and then gives you your own virtual ‘machine’. You can get the service for free if you are willing to look at ads. If you don’t like ads, no problem. For a measly $19 a month, you can subscribe to their service with no contract - start and stop anytime you want. And in case you are worried about some huge up-front free, forget about it. The device costs $9.99 to ship and you need to give them a $50 deposit for it.
The nimbus cloud computer is a re-imagination of this idea of a computer. We think that an ordinary computer is too expensive, too complicated, and too much for what most people want to use a computer for. What we did is put all of the costly and complicated pieces of hardware and software into our data centers. You then use a smaller, simpler, much less expensive device thats always connected to the internet to control your computer. We think this is a much simpler way for you to do what you want to do.
The specs are so simple it makes me wonder if I am missing something. Included in both paid and free plans:
- Use of nimbus cloud computer
- Network cable
- Power adapter
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- 2 GB storage
- Automatic back-ups
- Virus & spyware protection
- Automatic upgrades
Plus you will need:
- A monitor
- A high-speed internet connection
The Nimbus Cloud Computer also includes the Dynamic Desktop service, which makes this machine function like a regular computer:
Though I give Vijay & his team props for coming up with this cool toy, their website needs more info, to be sure. I can’t tell if the service is open globally or only North America. And although nearly all monitors will work, not all USB devices are supported. And their supported hardware page is, shall we say, incomplete. One drawback I see is the inability to use CDs/DVDs. I’ve only needed mine on a few occasions anyway, as I use mostly web-based applications in the first place. But I would like to know if the system supports an external drive in case you ever need it.
I have my order in for my machine, so that I can give you a in-action review. I want it for my kids so that I know they can’t break the [actually another :|] computer. I also see this as the perfect way to get started working from home on less than $100 if you need a work machine.
And I won’t speculate on the future of the company, except for the fact that I believe they will have competition soon.
I’d love to know what you think. How would you use a machine like this? And what would you want them to add in the future to make you want to leave your old hardware behind?
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I thinks it’s a must have device. The next clear step in my mind is a child portal. So it can be set up to easily reach any approved websites and everything else screened. Plus monitoring software. Remote data storage should work fine.
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I heard about this sort of thing about 6 months ago. It’s a great idea, in theory, but I think it’s mostly aimed at lower income individuals.
Also, 2 GB of storage is pretty paltry.
In theory, though, a very, very cool idea. I wouldn’t jump in right away, but as a second machine, it’s a pretty good idea.
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Wendy - Sounds like it would really be able to knock the socks off of the low-end computer market. Perhaps a opportunity for Nimbus to partner with Google to pre-load (pre-link?) it to their online apps and Voila instant success for Nimbus.
Interesting story.
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Interesting. I think it would be a great option for my kids, who only really use the computer to play games online anyway. As a graphic designer, not being able to use CDs/DVDs is a huge drawback for myself.
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This is a great idea. I wish I would have been able to get one of these years ago when a computer was too expensive for every room in the house ; ) I will surely be looking into one of these myself as a computer for my bedroom - great idea!!!
Most people only use their computers for the internet or BLOGGING —> Yeah!
Great post, thanks for the heads up Wendy!
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Sounds especially useful for older mothers and fathers and grandparents that aren’t particularly computer savvy and just want the internet and email. I would be very interested to see your review once you have used it. Sounds good for kids too.
wow perfect for the kids… I wonder if its available in Canada? I’ll check out the site but thanks for the scoop!
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Sounds interesting, I’ll look forward to hearing what you think about the new technology.
I’d love to know what it’ll be like in the next 20 years. Star wars here we come…
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Interesting… I actually know a guy who marketed something similar a few years ago, but it never really took off.
Maybe I do more than the average person on the computer, since I’m a graphic designer, but I’d definitely need more than that for my computer. Even without the graphic design, I use spreadsheets, databases, photo storage, etc. type stuff all the time in conjunction with my internet use. I think I’d just need something a little more.
Obviously this product isn’t marketed towards me ;), but maybe senior citizens or children - people who don’t need much of a computer.
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Get out! that’s kinda cool.. actually, it made me think of WebTV a bit.
I think it would be great for those too afraid to use a computer, or who don’t want or have the expense computers usually bring.
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Wow this is the kind of gadget that would be useful for my aunt who curses at her clunky old computer. Neat.
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I dream of having an additional computer exclusively for digital scrapbooking, one that I could use anywhere, this one just doesn’t have the power, memory or storage though
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Wow!
Nice, small and price is “funny” - i’ll 100% try it.
Thank you
This is amazing in that 1998 free DSL kinda way.
The concept is good, the hardware needs more juice.
If they bundle it up with more memory and a bigger hard drive, plus add in FREE wifi, it would totally rock!
The Nimbus Cloud would sell like HOT CAKES!
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need to find more info about this stuff. because i think it’s a great stuff for my little brother
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Hi Wendy!
Thanks for the kind words and its great to read the comments from your fellow entrepreneurs. Keep ‘em coming!
To answer some of your questions - CD and DVD playing capability we don’t do (perhaps you can afford separate devices with all the money you save?) but our device does support USB flash drives for local storage if you need it.
The most exciting feature of our service is the dynamic desktop. We can (and will!) dynamically improve, repair and add features thanks to the way the service is delivered. All of this as part of your service and with no additional charge. So if we don’t do something today, we certainly may be able to add it later. And so feedback from folks like yourselves is great. Our tagline is “Re-Imagine Your Computer” and we live by that!
Looking forward to hearing more … I will be happy to answer any other questions you or your readers may have.
thanks again!
-Vijay
ps: we will have that supported hardware page up very soon! Just working out the finishing touches …
I paid the $9.99 and never received a computer. After multiple unanswered queries, I had AmEx intervene. Seems like they’ve got some problems…