Tell me about Linux

[BDBohnzie]

If you are getting a netbook and are using it strictly for surfing the web and email, then Linux would be fine. The learning curve with Ubuntu is pretty easy, and there are so many things you can add-on easily. I have it on a dual boot on my work laptop, but because we are a Microsoft shop, I'm booted into XP 99% of the time.

I was looking at the Dell Mini 12 as well, but I'm now leaning towards this MSI Wind from Newegg to be my new personal portable computer, from which I will probably do a dual boot XP Home/Ubuntu, maybe even add OSX to the mix.

And OpenOffice is a great alternative to MS Office. I've used it interchangeably with Office 2007 for a while now, and with the things I use it for, users haven't noticed any difference.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

If you are getting a netbook and are using it strictly for surfing the web and email, then Linux would be fine. The learning curve with Ubuntu is pretty easy, and there are so many things you can add-on easily. I have it on a dual boot on my work laptop, but because we are a Microsoft shop, I'm booted into XP 99% of the time.

I was looking at the Dell Mini 12 as well, but I'm now leaning towards this MSI Wind from Newegg to be my new personal portable computer, from which I will probably do a dual boot XP Home/Ubuntu, maybe even add OSX to the mix.

And OpenOffice is a great alternative to MS Office. I've used it interchangeably with Office 2007 for a while now, and with the things I use it for, users haven't noticed any difference.

I like the sound of that MSI Wind but I'm just not sure if I want to go with a 10" screen. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 right now with a 16" screen so going down to 10" might be tough. I'm just tired of lugging this thing around though. It's just not practical for traveling and forget about trying to use this thing on a plane.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I like the sound of that MSI Wind but I'm just not sure if I want to go with a 10" screen. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 right now with a 16" screen so going down to 10" might be tough. I'm just tired of lugging this thing around though. It's just not practical for traveling and forget about trying to use this thing on a plane.

I too have an Inspirion system - 6400 I believe. I beefed it up with some after market DDR Ram, so even though it's two years old it still runs nicely. You're right about the airplane thing. Pain in the ass. I'm also looking to get a smaller system. I really don't have advanced computing needs - internet, email, personal finances, and music. Pretty basic. I'm ready to park this Inspiron as a desktop and move on to something more compact. But yeah, moving from a 16" to a 10" screen would be tough.

Matty - you ever have battery issues with your Dell? I had to replace the factory battery after the first 6 months or so, and I have some friends who have had similar issues.

[saden1]

10" is very small and portable. The 8.9" screens are really small and the keyboards on sub 10" netbooks hard to operate. Go to BestBuy and try them out first.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I too have an Inspirion system - 6400 I believe. I beefed it up with some after market DDR Ram, so even though it's two years old it still runs nicely. You're right about the airplane thing. Pain in the ass. I'm also looking to get a smaller system. I really don't have advanced computing needs - internet, email, personal finances, and music. Pretty basic. I'm ready to park this Inspiron as a desktop and move on to something more compact. But yeah, moving from a 16" to a 10" screen would be tough.

Matty - you ever have battery issues with your Dell? I had to replace the factory battery after the first 6 months or so, and I have some friends who have had similar issues.

No, I never had any battery issues. I guess I lucked out and missed the first wave of Dells that had that issue.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I like the sound of that MSI Wind but I'm just not sure if I want to go with a 10" screen. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 right now with a 16" screen so going down to 10" might be tough. I'm just tired of lugging this thing around though. It's just not practical for traveling and forget about trying to use this thing on a plane.

That is why I was originally looking at the Dell Mini 12 - screen resolution. But, I decided that the Wind was more suited for what I was looking for. My work laptop, as well as my wife's laptop are both 14 inch screens, so the jump down won't be so drastic.

And that's what I'm looking for as well, portability and knowing that if I need to do any programming or heavy computing, I still have my work and home desktops, as well as my work laptop. Plus it's always fun to have a new toy!

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

That is why I was originally looking at the Dell Mini 12 - screen resolution. But, I decided that the Wind was more suited for what I was looking for. My work laptop, as well as my wife's laptop are both 14 inch screens, so the jump down won't be so drastic.

And that's what I'm looking for as well, portability and knowing that if I need to do any programming or heavy computing, I still have my work and home desktops, as well as my work laptop. Plus it's always fun to have a new toy!

Yeah I always have my desktop for the heavy lifting too, I just use my laptop for really basic stuff so it makes no sense to be lugging this thing around. And yeah, I'm always looking for my next toy too! LOL