Netbooks

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BrentB

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Anyone using a Win or Linux netbook? New models are out and older ones are less than $300. I am looking at the MSI, ACER and ASUS models.
 
Brent":mdlytl9c said:
Anyone using a Win or Linux netbook? New models are out and older ones are less than $300. I am looking at the MSI, ACER and ASUS models.
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I recently purchased a HP 2140 for an "on the go" netbook after reading a LOT of netbook/mini notebook reviews. Very happy with it so far. The keyboard for it's size was the selling point for me (85%) but I did end up also getting a bluetooth mouse since I didn't like the key pad mouse. The solid state HD units didn't offer enough space for my use.
 
I've been using an Asus 10" for about a year now and really like it. The only thing I dislike is the buttons on the touch pad - they take a LOT of pressure to activate. I just set up a Acer for my sis-in-law, it was nice, had a nice feel and the screen backlight was LED for a lower power draw.

Get a 10" minimum screen for usability (it also affects the keyboard size), LED backlight, 1G ram and 160G hard drive - for "normal" usage.
 
We have an Acer Aspire One, $299 at Frys, we opted for the "small" SSD. Immediately dumped the XP Home in favor of Ubuntu 8.10...sweet little machine, going to upgrade to Ubuntu 9.04, just made my bootable thumb drive last night to do this. Going to do a blog article real soon now on Ubuntu. Wish I could get back whatever the license fee was for the XP OS on it...

The (almost) Windows-free Anderson Family, proudly running:

MacBook laptop
iMac desktop
Acer Aspire One netbook running Ubuntu
A couple of cheap eMachine PCs running Ubuntu.

Windows exists as a dual boot option on the eMachine PCs because there are two stupid little Windows programs that we like, and it is easier to do dual boot than to run them in VirtualBox under Ubuntu and get printing and everything working right.
 
I too bought the Acer Aspire One and it is a good size for travel, not too big, not too small, although I'm sure many would disagree with both of those. Keep in mind these are called "netbooks" because they are primarily intended for using the "network" i.e. the web and not for writing your next novel on. My complaint with the Acer was, as I knew, it didn't come with a DVD/CD writer/player so I bought the companion USB player that Costco promoted with it. It turns out that it will not play the sound of DVDs (it will CDs). After many calls to the Costco "Concierge Service" (who was generally unhelpful--they said they didn't cover DVD player issues) and searching the internet, it turns out that Acer packaged an old dumbed down Windows Media Player with it and it doesn't do sound. For that, you need to download a $15 "decoder" which I haven't gotten to work yet either, although I think I will. Part of the problem was that the Media Player was not only dumbed down, it was a 2002 version which had to be upgraded. Other than offering to let me return it, Costco has been totally worthless in helping or even caring that they sold a package that doesn't do as one would expect. They blamed it on "a supplier--we never even had possession." Generally I'm OK with Costco but not this time. Anyway, I know I shouldn't use this site to rant against Costco, but I just want to recommend buying from a store where they will personally assist in getting the machine and any peripherals to work.

Steve in Olympia
 
Bill (head nerd) and I both bought little Dell Mini 9's. He's running ubuntu and I'm running XP. I love it. It boots up fully in 22 seconds. I've got all I need on the 32G solid state drive and even bought a USB powered 80G HD about the size of a deck of playing cards if I ever run out. The battery lasts 3.5-4 hours and charges up quickly. Got a little wireless mousie to use too althought the touch pad works just fine. Got an external DVD/CD ROM drive that's also USB powered.

If you get one, get the white case, not the black one which shows fingerprints. It's very light and rugged.

Charlie
 
I have been using the ACER 9" 160 gig hard drive, unit for 6 months when on the road (as I am now). The system is fast, I keep all of the US charts and road maps, plus camp grounds on it. The WiFi works well. I recommend it as a boat or travel unit.
 
I bought the HP 2140 and received it today. Installing software now and like the keyboard and actually also the touchpad mouse unlike the reviews I read b/c I had an external touchpad earlier and used it alot but the company folded and no longer supplied drivers for it. It is smaller and thinner than West Marine catalog and the 10" screen is the right size for me. Not bad for $299 with case and 2G of ram and XP
 
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