Linux Format forums

Bazza · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 4:46 pm Post subject: I`m in the market for a........

Netbook...

I would like replies from existing users as to their opinions
of their own units before I buy.

I would prefer a Linux flavour but will accept opinions
from Windows users too.

I don`t need the usual audio/video related stuff at all,
but I will require development tools and possibly some
CAD stuff.

800 x 600 16 bit depth is the minimum screen requirement,
standard Stereo audio in/out and at least 1 USB port.

Be honest and give bad points as well as good...

TIA...
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heiowge · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 6:34 pm Post subject:

I have an eeepc 904HA.

8.9 inch screen. 1024 by something
1 Gb RAM (I bought a 2GB strip at the same time)
1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor
160 Gb Hd (not SSD)
Ethernet
Wifi
3 USB ports
SD card port (I'm using a 16Gb class 6 card atm).

****edit**** I forgot to say it also has a 90% size laptop keyboard. After my 700 series, it's a massive improvement.

Mine cost about £275 last may from currys.

It came with XP, because it cost exactly the same for XP as for Linux and at the time I wanted dual boot. Currently running Ubuntu 9.10 no problems. Very responsive.

I am very impressed and have no regrets.

LeeNukes · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 7:38 pm Post subject:

Compaq Mini 110C

http://www.linuxformat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11510
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wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:11 pm Post subject:

I have an Acer aspire one.
It was a gift, so not sure of the price.
Came with 512Mb ram, 8Gb SSD, 802.11g
8.9" screen 1024x600

Recently upgraded it to 1.5Gb, 16Gb SSD, 802.11n

Great, but the most effective part was upgrading the memory. (cost UKP7.50)
Really sped it up. The pauses I blamed on the SSD turned out to be the memory.
The new wifi (cost UKP9.50)takes a lot of battery, but I can stream live video form my MythTV box with no stuttering.

The new SSD is faster, but cost UKP60.

just bought one second hand for UKP90, including a six cell battery and a 1Gb upgrade for the wife.

You might want a hard disk and a bigger screen though.

I personally find mine just the right size for me,(typing on it now at my Daughter's in Cornwall) My laptop has a titanium shell, and though durable, is too heavy to use on my lap!

edit:now running UNR, and very well too.
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nelz · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject:

I'm using an Eee PC 1005HA. Not as compact as the smaller models, but it has a much better keyboard. Everything just works in Linux, wireless, webcam, bluetooth etc.

It came with XP, there wasn't a Linux option at the time, and cost around £245. I'm happy with it.
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towy71 · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:40 pm Post subject:

Acer Aspire One ZA3 11.5" screen, 2gibi ram, 250gb hdd, came with Vasta Home Basic (runs like a dog) Ubuntu runs very nicely, everything just works and it has a decent size keyboard for my hoary old hands, cost 239GBP
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PCNetSpec · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:23 am Post subject: Refurbished Acers

Why not check out the refurbished Acer netbooks at:
http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/box_opened_laptops/prod.asp
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Bazza · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 10:10 am Post subject:

Hi all...

Many thanks guys, keep your replies coming as I am deciding
at the end of April what to buy, so any other machines and
opinions of them are more than welcome.

IF you have got Linux working any snags about doing so will
be welcome too to save me "groping in the dark"...

EDIT:

PCNetSpec thanks for the pointer, some look good for the
money especially for what I want to one it for...
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PCNetSpec · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:18 pm Post subject: Linux on a netbook

You would be hard pushed to find a netbook that Linux WON'T run on problem free Smile

Ubuntu (either main edition or netbook remix) and Linux Mint seem to run on any netbook I've come across... Ubuntu 10.04 will be out April 29th and the netbook remix should either be available then or shortly afterwards, as should Mint 9.

A lot of people report Mint (main) is slightly quicker than Ubuntu, but if speed is a priority, try the Mint LXDE or fluxbox editions.

http://www.linuxmint.com/download_ce.php

for a comparison of Mint 8 main and fluxbox editions on a netbook see here:
http://netbook-experience.com/2010/03/mint-linux-with-fluxbox-desktop-the-best-os-for-netbooks/
But the LXDE edition should be as quick as fluxbox and have a 'fuller' desktop.

Instructions to load Mint 8 fluxbox (but should apply to LXDE too... just get the LXDE iso) here:
http://netbook-experience.com/2010/03/how-to-install-mint-linux-8-fluxbox-on-the-acer-aspire-one/

These instructions are for an Acer Aspire One, but should work with any netbook.

Or visit Pendrivelinux:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

And another AMIGAnaut (?)... stroll on AmigaOS-5 for x86 Twisted Evil

(tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough) Very Happy

... BTW, have you seen the new Commadore C64 (core2 quad) http://www.commodoreusa.net/tech.html
Linux/AmigaOS/Windows/OSX/AROS/Chrome/Comodo
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wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 4:58 pm Post subject:

One issue with UNR, (only when I upgraded the SSD) is that it has problems configuring the correct speed for ATA100 on some SSDs. This is either due to dodgy firmware or a bug in devicekit-disks, depending on who yhou ask.

I solved it by following this link
adding elevator=noop to grub and mountingthe drive noatime in fstab reduced my bootup to 15 seconds.
apparently spreadahead can reduce it further.
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PCNetSpec · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

Useful info... I haven't come across the libatasmart SSD bug before, but always nice to know about these things Smile

Just for others info, the bug report can be found here:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libatasmart/+bug/445852
This bug seems to affect 'some' SSDs (Solid State Drives) in 9.10 (Karmic), so will probably be present in Mint 8 too... The bug has been fixed in the upcoming 10.04 (Lucid) so will also be fixed in Mint 9... See here:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/karmic/+source/libatasmart/+bug/445852/comments/203

UPDATE -
Karmic update released 26/03/10 fixes the bug.

Info on this page (bottom):
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/karmic/+source/libatasmart/+bug/445852/
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towy71 · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 6:00 pm Post subject:

nelz · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 9:20 pm Post subject: Re: Linux on a netbook

towy71 · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 9:31 pm Post subject: Re: Linux on a netbook

PCNetSpec · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 11:26 pm Post subject: Dell Mini 10 (not 10v)

So what's your problem with the Dell Mini 10
Intel GMA500 Poulsbo driver in karmic?

Granted it's not easy, but it can be done, and works in native resolution.

But you are right GMA500 isn't straight forward.... but I did say "hard pushed" not "impossible"... and maybe I shouldn't have added "problem free".
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