Linux optimized for Netbooks

Maximum PC Primer: Lightweight Netbook Computing with Linux

[...] Linux is an ideal choice for netbooks for multiple reasons in addition to CPU architecture. Netbooks generally have lower specs than most full-size notebooks (not to mention desktops) so they are ideal for lightweight applications like web browsing, document preparation, etc. Linux does these tasks very well without the bloat that Windows systems have to deal with from anti-malware utilities. This primer will help you set up and optimize Linux for your netbook. [...]

The article takes a look at some Linux distributions that have been optimized for the netbook market, with screenshots.
     

The Asus EEE pc 1000HA. Is it a Winner?

The Asus EEE netbooks have been out for a while now, and they seem to be very popular. This one with a 10 inch screen and Windows XP caught my eye recently:


ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony

Technical Details

* XP-Preloaded with 160G large HDD.

* ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and 6 cell high density battery pack allow for longer battery lifespan of up to 7 hours. Super Hybrid Engine offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to various needs.

* High Speed Connectivity Anywhere with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting.

* Exclusive 10GB Eee Storage with easy accessibility anywhere online.

* Free 1 YR Warranty (6 month for battery, 30 day ZBD Guaranteed)

Here is a portion of the Amazon.com product description:

[...] Much more compact than a standard-sized notebook and weighing just over 3 pounds, the Eee PC 1000HA is perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. The Eee PC 1000HA also features a 160 GB hard disk drive (HDD), 1 GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Secure Digital memory card slot, multiple USB ports, a VGA output for connecting to a monitor.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently. [...]

The full description is quite long and detailed, with lots more photos and information. And always of great interest to me, are the reviews by people who own it. 287 reviews so far, and most give it high marks:

Customer Reviews

Very interesting. I've been looking at a lot of netbooks, and this one looks like it could be among the best that's available. For someone who doesn't need a really high powered laptop, and who wants Windows XP instead of Windows Vista, this could be just the thing. Asus is supposed to be a good brand, I've heard, so hopefully it will hold up well with use. Time will tell.
     

An HP Vista mini-note, VS an HP Linux mini-note

A while back I posted about the new HP 2133 Mini-Note PC that was coming out. It's now for sale on Amazon.com, along with it's Windows Vista counter part. Here are two samples, with considerable price differences:

HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-inch Mini-Note PC (C7-M 1.6 GHz Processor, 2048 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)

Technical Details

* Full-function laptop with 8.9-inch display, stylish anodized aluminum case, and integrated webcam

* 1.6 GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor, 120 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), Gigabit Ethernet

* Spill-resistant 92 percent full size keyboard; hard drive protected by HP's 3D DriveGuard

* Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 headphone, 1 microphone, ExpressCard 54/34, Secure Digital memory card slot, VGA monitor port

* Pre-installed with Windows Vista Business; trial versions of Microsoft Office 2007 and Norton Internet Security [...]

As of this date, the selling price is $640.98. The Amazon reviews are for ALL the HP 2133 notebooks, all lumped together. Most complaints seem to be about poor performance with Windows Vista.

Here is a model with Linux on it:

HP 2133-KX869AT 8.9-inch Mini-Note PC (C7-M 1.2 GHz Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Linux)

Technical Details

* SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

* It comes equipped with the tools to help you conduct business efficiently on the go with features such as high-resolution, 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display; 92% full-size QWERTY keyboard; and touchpad.

* Stay connected where you need to work with integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLANand optional Bluetooth wireless technologies. Access the Internet, email, IM, or chat at school, at home or at your favorite hotspots.

* The simple, refined design and all-aluminum case make it sleek, sturdy and lightweight. Features such as HP DuraKeys, magnesium alloy support structure, and HP 3D DriveGuard make a durable mini-note PC that can go the distance. [...]

This model with Linux has a slightly slower processor, but more RAM. As of this date it is selling for $393.94. A considerable savings over it's Windows Vista counterpart.

There are other versions available at different prices, with different specs, such as a solid-state memory drive instead of a hard drive.

But the C7-M processor is not very powerful. In a similar price range, you can find full blown HP laptops with better processors, that come with Windows Vista. Why not buy one of them, and install Linux on it? It would cost a bit more than this Linux machine, but it would have a faster processor, built in DVD drive, etc.

As much as I like seeing an HP notebook with Linux, I'm not sure this is really the best way to go.

Not sure, which means I AM thinking about it. ;-)
     

Jisus is coming, April 25th...

... and in multiple colors, too!



But only to stores in Europe, so far. From DesktopLinux.com:

Dutch UMPC runs Ubuntu Linux

Dutch integrator Van Der Led (VDL) Designs has announced a clone of the Asus Eee PC ultra-mini PC (UMPC) notebook. The WiFi-enabled "Jisus" UMPC is equipped with a Chinese-made 1GHz Loongson CPU, has an 8.9-inch display, and runs Ubuntu Linux.

The unusual name may be intended to remind shoppers of Asus, the better-known brand responsible for the popular Eee mini-notebook. Or, it may be derived from the device's Loongson 2F CPU: the Loongson was code-named "Godson" by its developers in the CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) in the People's Republic of China. The Linux-oriented CPU is based on a derivative of the MIPS64 architecture, albeit without patented portions, such as unaligned 32-bit load/store support. [...]

(bold emphasis mine) Wow. I knew that Christianity was taking off in a big way in China, but this it the first time I've seen it's influence manifested in the high tech world. It's not a big deal, but I find it interesting.

The rest of the article deals with the technical specs of the units, and compares them with the Asus Eee, which Jisus was made to compete with. I can only wonder if and when Jisus will make it to the United States. I hope it does. The more, the merrier! Would it keep the same name, and would Americans like it? It might be fun to see.
     

Noahpad PC with Strange Keyboard

A computer with the keyboard on the BACK of the device? Where you type only using your fingers, not your thumbs? Where you see the keyboard keys (and your finger placement) THROUGH the screen?

The keyboard is actually a touchpad, but it still seems like it would be awkward to use. Fortunately it can be used like a regular laptop keyboard as well:



E-Lead Electronic Noahpad UMPC gets official

[...] The two 2.76-inch squares are actually clickable touch pads that can be used as both a full QWERTY keyboard that "mimics the feel of pressing down the keys on regular keyboards" and an oversized trackpad to control the on-screen pointer. When the 7-inch display, which uses virtual screen technology to expand the viewing area to 10 inches, is flipped 360 degrees to lay behind the touch pads, it becomes "semi-transparent" and allows users to "see" their fingers and the keyboard.

This illusion was designed to "maximize users' typing speed" because it allows typing with multiple fingers. Unlike most UMPCs, which rely on a user's thumbs for data input, the Noahpad UMPC ignores the thumbs and puts the rest of the fingers to work. [...]

It sure is... different. I'd like to see a video of someone actually using it. I suppose it must be possible, or they would not have built it. I find it hard to imagine actually using it myself. It will be interesting to see if it catches on.

It has many other functions as well, I believe it's meant to compete with the AsusTek eee notebook computer, it's in the same price range. See the link above for more photos of how the Noahpad can be used. See the link below for the Noahpad official website.

www.noahpad.com