Linux Format forums

shaddack

Hi.

I guess there are few threads like this already but I did not find one that fully answers my questions so I start a new one.

The thing is that I want a netbook with decent performance and that can run Linux.

I will use the the device for programming and editing text in general using open office (or the like) as well as surfing the web. If I can watch movies it is a bonus.

I do not want it to be bigger than 10.1" but I would like an almost full keyboard since I expect to type quite a lot (I now there are a few of these).

It would be great if the device has built in 3G modem as well as WiFi and that the build in 3G modem works under linux. If it does not have a built in 3G modem that is ok since I have a Huawei 3G USB modem already. But it would be nice if was built in ant that it worked with Linux.

So, which netbook/linux combination do you think would be best for me? How does a "full" linux distro perform on the more modern netbooks? I would like a distro that is as small as possible.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

gn2 · LXF regular Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:34 pm Posts: 135

All netbooks have very similar hardware, so get the cheapest one, you'll struggle to find better value than this in the UK:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/179804

If the battery life isn't long enough you can get aftermarket high capacity ones on eBay for £35ish.

My son has that model and it runs very nicely with Mint 8.

Captain_Tux · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:50 am Post subject:

Many, if not all netbooks can run Linux... your mileage varies depending on distro, but generally speaking, all the netbook-sized distros (for a lack of better terminology - should it be mobile Linux distros instead?) run well. Wasn't it last month that the mag ran an article on netbook distros?

Not sure about movies... part of the reason that netbooks are netbooks is because they tend not to have optical drives.

shaddack · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:23 pm Post subject:

shaddack · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:41 pm Post subject:

nelz · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject:

I now use an Eee PC 1005HA and really like it. It's larger than my old 900 but the keyboard is a lot better. It plays movies well. No it doesn't have an optical drive, but movies are not necessarily DVD. I use it to watch transcoded DVDs and programmes recorded with MythTV. It doesn't have built in 3G, but I use it with a Mi-Fi modem, so there are no driver issues to worry about, although it does work perfectly with a Huawei dongle too.
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shaddack · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:16 pm Post subject:

towy71 · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:30 pm Post subject:

I have an Acer Aspire One ZA3 which has an 11.5" screen and a keyboard that allows my fat fingers to use it Wink

using UNR and everything "just works" Very Happy

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gn2 · LXF regular Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:34 pm Posts: 135

shaddack · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:52 am Post subject:

Captain_Tux · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:54 am Post subject:

Here's an article I just found... there's no mention of UNR, which is peculiar... be sure to check out the comments and views section at the bottom of the article.

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/Software/11218.html

nelz · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:37 pm Post subject:

nordle · LXF regular Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:56 pm Posts: 1497

The Samsung NC10 got loads of great reviews for, well, most stuff, but particularly its keyboard.

But it has been out for a year, so theres probably better now.

EDIT:
The crappy pound and inflation increases in demand generated through printing money around the world have really impacted on prices. 15% up from 4 months ago!
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shaddack · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:27 am Post subject:

shaddack · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:33 am Post subject: