Ubuntu netbook remix 'acid test' wrap-up
Summary
Topics
The original test case was an ASUS Eee PC 4G (701), which I think was a particularly difficult case. It's an older netbook (one of the originals), it has an exceptionally small screen (7 inches), a touchpad with no buttons (so you have to "tap" to simulate buttons), and only 4GB of disk (SSD). UNR installed and worked flawlessly, and my neighbor has been using it happily ever since.
The second test case was an HP Mini 2140, which I would consider a "current" netbook, although no longer "leading edge". It has an Atom CPU, a nice big screen (10.1 inches), a touchpad with two buttons, and a 160 GB disk drive. There was a minor problem that required changing one BIOS setting, but once that was done UNR installed and worked flawlessly again. After the first few days of use, my friend is quite happy with it.
I consider the owners of both of these netbooks to be average non-professional computer users. They have had no problems with the netbooks running Ubuntu rather than Windows - in fact, neither of them noticed or cared about that. Neither has had any questions or complaints about the UNR desktop. They both use the netbook for internet access (web browsing and email), via WiFi connection, and one has been using the built-in webcam, and downloading digital pictures from an SD flash card.
In both cases, UNR was a significant improvement over the operating system that was previously installed on the netbook. The Eee PC had a two year old Linux of some sort, so UNR was a big step forward. The Mini 2140 came with SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, which while not quite as bad, is also rather dated.
This article was originally posted on ZDNet UK.
Talkback Most Recent of 11 Talkback(s)
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Still no love for Asus 900
UNR still doesn't work on my Asus 900 without some kernel work.
sunnata18th Jul 2009 -
RE: Ubuntu netbook remix 'acid test' wrap-up
Its a shame, computing power like that and you install linux on it which is known to have both application and security issues. Not only that but you are forcing such a poor choice of OS on your friends. Most likely they are going to get their techy friend to wipe it clean and install some other OS on it.
Loverock Davidson8th Jul 2009 -
Really?
Mr. Davidson, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your lazy, trolling response were you even close to anything that could be considered an original thought. Everyone here is now dumber for having read it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
KWRussell8th Jul 2009 -
It explains so much
I've been wondering why I have had a burning at the base of my skull and I am having more difficulty formulating coherent sentences.
Viva la crank dodo8th Jul 2009 -
You go Billy Madison!
I loved that movie as well.Loverock Davidson8th Jul 2009 -
Billy Madison?
I thought that was from Princess Bride.
Socratesfoot8th Jul 2009 -
And Windows doesn't?!
Idiot.
SimonUK10th Jul 2009 -
Loverock: Any modern examples
Sorry to beat your dead argument to another death, but please provide modern examples.
Not that I will deny that it has application and security issues or , but in what way does it have more or more serious, issues than alternatives? I'm sure with all your experience you can do this, can't you? It would certainly have more impact on those that could benefit from your insight.
Viva la crank dodo8th Jul 2009 -
Loverock is a Troll
Don't pay him any attention, I'm sure he uses Linux himself and probably hasn't used a Windows Cd for anything more than a drink coaster for years. He just likes to see people get upset. Fear more for the people that actually buy into his trolls and don't ever post at all. They are the truly ignorant.Socratesfoot8th Jul 2009 -
True
I really don't post so much to get a reply from Loverock but rather to ensure that some that may not recognize the satire do realize that it should be taken with a whole heap of salt.
Just doing my really small part to offset an even smaller arguments.Viva la crank dodo8th Jul 2009 -
RE: Ubuntu netbook remix 'acid test' wrap-up
I own Asus 1000 Linux based netbook for about three months. The learning curve from Windows XP was very quick. All very intuitive. Linux in fact seems simpler to operate than Windows. Also lots of free applications including Office compatible program Open Office. All in all I love it and now went ahead to purchase a linux PC.
PS: Screen size of 10 inches is sufficient for me
Stefan5008th Jul 2009
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