The Linkbook's operating system is geared primarily towards a user-friendly web experience; from email to social networking and browsing, as well as basic Open Office - everything a business entrepreneur, student or first-time PC user could need in a computer.
Everything works off the desktop - including shortcuts to popular local online content and e-commerce websites - making it the most intuitive, simple to operate device of its kind available anywhere in the world.
"Linkbook is the first handheld computer of its kind available globally and aims to broaden web and computer access in emerging markets, tackling the digital divide and enhancing Vodacom's strategy to make the Internet more accessible to all South Africans," says Shameel Joosub, Managing Director of Vodacom South Africa.
"South Africa is a market eager for more ways to get online. We expect that Linkbook will be particularly successful locally due to low PC penetration and we hope that by introducing a low-cost user-friendly Internet-focused computer bundled with 300 MB of data per month, this initiative will help to kick start local economies by encouraging entrepreneurs to create a range of locally-inspired business models and services."
The Linkbook, which has an embedded SIM card, as well as two USB ports, will be available on a 24-month contract at a subscription fee of R199 per month, including a monthly 300 MB data bundle, from participating Vodacom outlets, nationwide.
As part of the launch, Linkbook is exclusive to Vodacom and is touted as the perfect entry-level computer. Bundled with data packages useful to everyone from students, entrepreneurs, small business owners and others who want to be connected, the attractively designed Linkbook has an embedded HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) module for totally wireless internet connectivity.
"Linkbook is an idea whose time has come," says Mark Levy, co-founder of Linkbook. "It's compact and highly intuitive and will bring easy-to-use wireless internet to millions.
The cost of the actual computer to the consumer over the two-year contract period comes in at R40.00 per month. It is a massive step in the direction of the $100 computer."
"Customised for South Africa including links to the country's top online sites, it's a global first. No other laptop in the world does this, so it's something we as a country should be extremely proud of. It also runs on a Linux operating system called Ubuntu."
While first-time computer users are often scared off by the technicality of complex computing, a key attraction of the Vodacom offering - besides price - is the sheer simplicity of use. "The market for first-time computer buyers is huge," says Levy, "and more exciting for us is the fact that we are able to finally bring to market a system that starts to erode the massive digital divide in South Africa, enabling almost everyone to make use of the phenomenon of internet communication."
Levy says that users shouldn't be mislead by the low cost of the Linkbook. "Development doesn't stop with the hardware. We are working with a number of partners to create exciting applications and dynamic content that will further enhance our customers' experience of the web."
For further information call Vodacom's 24-hour Customer Care Centre on 111, free from a Vodacom cellphone or 082 111 from any other cellphone, or go to http://www.vodacom.co.za/services/blackberry/overview.jsp.
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