[Wylug-discuss] Recommendation: Linux-compatible Netbook Under GBP 250?

[Anne Wilson]

On Thursday 24 November 2011 20:35:56 Anne Wilson wrote:
> I'm sure this has been asked before, but these products date
> incredibly quickly, so really I'm asking advice from anyone who's
> bought/used one of the current generation (2011).
> 
General comments in-line:

> Must-haves include:
> 
> 1. Bootable via USB --- preferably with dual-bootability

Normal.

> 2. Basic multi-tasking --- simultaneous multi-tab browsing + text
> editing + ssh without screen-lag
> 
Usually possible, but some limitations.  CPUs are usually Atom, and are fine as 
long as you don't ask too much.  I use normal fedora desktop, and browse with 
many tabs, but try to limit myself instead of having the 20+ I might have on 
the main laptop.

> Otherwise, my highest priorities are:
> 
> 1. Ergonomics -- acceptable keyboard and screen

Keyboards are always a matter of preference.  I dislike the ones called 
"chicklet", if I remember the name correctly, but really only touch can tell 
you whether it is ok.

My experience is that they usually have a high gloss screen, which gives good 
colour, but makes it nigh impossible to work outside.  If you need that, take 
care in assessing the screen.

> 2. Adaptability -- connectivity and upgrade-ability, esp usb, memory, ssd
> 
Acer netbooks have been nice for me, but upgrades are not easy, requiring you 
to take out the keyboard to get to anything.  Most things are possible, 
especially with some of the good videos on youtube to help, but frankly they 
are not easy, and this probably applies to most netbook.

> Nice to have:
> 
> 1. Long battery life

Certainly most are better than they used to be.

> 2. Light to carry
> 3. Small
> 
Any fulfil that.  Initially people were avoiding hard disk models to save 
weight, but these days the tiny disks don't weight much, and the difference in 
cost between those and flash disks means that most stay on HDDs.

> I really don't care about having Linux pre-installed --- Android or
> Windows would probably do.
> 
My original Asus Eeepc 701 is still working - a friend in Germany uses it with 
OpenSUSE.  My first Acer Aspire One died on me a few months ago, and I decided 
that a repair wasn't sensible, as a new, higher-spec one cost little more, but 
I liked it well enough to be another Acer Aspire One.

No specific recommendations, then, but hope the comments will help.

Anne