19 October 2011, 12:00

Canonical, Vodafone bring ARM-based Ubuntu netbook to South Africa

The Vodafone WebBook runs Ubuntu Linux Canonical and Vodacom, the South African subsidiary of Vodafone, have announced the launch of the Vodafone WebBook in South Africa. The ARM-based netbook runs the Ubuntu Linux operating system and is designed to "bring simplified, value-added internet access to thousands of South Africans, many of whom have until now had no access".

The WebBook weighs less than 1 kg, and has a 10-inch display, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of storage. It will includes a two year warranty and free software updates. Ubuntu founder and fellow South African Mark Shuttleworth said, "We are delighted to provide the operating system for the Vodafone Webbook", adding that, "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."

Priced from 1,499 ZAR (£119) on prepaid plans or 189 ZAR (£15) with a 24-month contract, the WebBook will be available from today, 19 October, at Vodacom stores and participating outlets.

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