Using Netbooks

[rov1200]

Now that its possible to surf the web using those cheap (<�150) netbooks using Linux what are the drawbacks to using them? The cheaper versions come without XP, is this a problem? Can it be connected to an existing wireless network or does it have to be used alone? What are its advantages if any?

[Ethel]

That is exactly what they are intended for and why they are called 'netbooks'.

Many say Linux connects faster than Windows, so no problem there.

They will connect to your existing network and wifi hotspots.

The advantage is cheap and portable.

[rov1200]

I felt cautious because the XP version is more popular and the returns to the shops from the Linux version are 4 times greater. Many dissatisfied customers there then, and I wondered why? Too difficult to use maybe?

[ACtheTROLL]

yep agree - it's a piece of kit with a specific function (not quite - but go with the thought)

it's a surfing - word processing looking at utube sort of gizmo

it's not an online gaming, movie editing, HDtv thing that will store all your iTunes

it won't quite fit in your pocket but you won't get a headache doing your e-mail

AND I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fay Mousse]

I do too, Ac - badly

But as I hardly go out I can't justify it. :(

I know several people with the little Asus and they are all very pleased, but if I were to buy one it would be the Acer One

[rov1200]

Here is a �50 discount

http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/17727/50 -off-The-Acer-Netbook-Acer-Aspire-One-A110-Onl y-199-99-from-Dixons

[chrisrob]

I have a Dell Inspiron Mini 9 that I'm using to reply at the moment. I'm very pleased with it. It has Windows XP. I wouldn't have minded Linux as I have used it before (on someone else's machine) and found it better than Windows - but I have to use a mobile broadband dongle that sets itself up to use Windows. (I searched for Linux drivers first.)
It only has 16Gb "hard" drive (SSD) which makes it more robust for carrying about, but it has an SD card slot I use with 8Gb cards with my Mp3 collection.
It does everything I want it to.

[fo3nix]

I'm currently using my Asus EEE 1000H. Running Ubuntu intrepid.

It works wonderfully. It's a lot easier to carry around than my regular laptop (hence why I bought it).

I think lots of the GNU/Linux-running netbooks are being returned because people don't understand that not everything runs Windows (and assume 'Linux' is just some package on Windows or something), so bring it home and can't find the start button, so return it.

GNU/Linux is a different system. If you haven't used it before, it'll take you a few weeks to get used to it. This is the same as going from Windows to Mac too; it's just something you're not as used to.

I'd suggest you find out if any of your friends use GNU/Linux systems. If so, get them to explain some stuff to you and show you around. Also, most electrical stores (Dixons etc.) stock some models of the netbooks, so try them out.

The main limitations are size (don't write a book on one of these things), monitor size (not best for photo editing etc.), and power. They have lower-paced processors compared to full laptops or desktop machines, so while they're great for browsing the web, listening to music, etc., they aren't a workhorse. They won't play the latest games well.

Advantages: first, it's a free system. This means that you can, in principle, edit it any way you like. You're not stuck with the defaults like Windows or Mac OS X. It's also free of cost too -- updates will always cost you nothing. It's also a damn sight more secure than Windows is --- you don't have to run antivirus every day, or antispyware, etc.