Best netbook out right now?

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: LS21
love my lenovo s10e. SOLID BUILD QUALITY and AWESOME BATTERY LIFE.

Actually, that doesn't look too bad!

Radio Shack is selling a 1GB RAM (2GB maximum) 160GB HDD, 3-cell battery, with NO Bluetooth/ExpressCard 34 slot for 299 bones:

http://www.radioshack.com/prod....jsp?productId=3573059 (Radio Shack Online - Lenovo IdeaPad S10e 10.2" Netbook)

Hrm...

Think I'll go to a B&M and play around with one.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: AUMM
just bought the Asus 1000HE with the 2gb upgrade..... get it tomorrow. cant wait.....

Thanks for the replies

Thanks for lighting a fire under my ass!

I bought my first Netbook yesterday...

Target is running a special at their B&M stores (only). I got a Asus Eee PC 1000HD for 249 bones.

LoL!

When I was driving to the store, to check it out, I told my wife, "I hope I hate this thing, 'cause I really don't want a Eee Pc."

She said, "Oh, you're so negative! Why are we even going there?"

I replied, "Because I want to check it off my list."

I figured I'd buy it, play with it for a few days, and return it (Target has a liberal 90-day return policy) but...

Dude, I'm loving this thing! :thumbsup:

I suppose this 1000HD was made especially for Target. It's got 1GB RAM - which I'll expand to 2GB, when I can figure out where I left the SO-DIMMs that came out of my Toshy. And, it came with a 160GB Seagate HD. The HD was partitioned at the factory into 2 - 80GB drives, which will be great for dual-booting Linux / XP.

Anyway, so far, so good. I'm a happy camper!

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
I bought my first Netbook yesterday...

Target is running a special at their B&M stores (only). I got a Asus Eee PC 1000HD for 249 bones.

OMG!!! I just realized...

Did you guys know there are 27 different models of the Asus Eee PC - and more coming everyday?

http://www.liliputing.com/2009...-27-eee-pc-models.html (Lilliputing.com - Eee Overload)

http://event.asus.com/eeepc/co...n/eeepc_comparison.htm (Official Asus Eee PC List)

 

[VinDSL]

I digress...

I don't know how things are going where you work, but...

Where I work (although management has largely been left unscathed) they have cut the ppl that actually produce something back to skin n' bones.

Consequently, I have been working my ass off lately - doing the job of 2-3 layed-off workers!

To wit, the day I bought my Eee PC 1000HD @ Target - I was called in for an overtime shift, a few hours later - and it's been that way ever since.

All I have been able to accomplish (since then) is to update the default Windows ****ing XP install, and I h-a-t-e XP.

Put another way, all I have done is develop a love for the Eee PC and a thirst for installing Linux on it.

LoL! When a man is dying of thirst, all he thinks about is water, right? I'm sure you understand my plight - I don't have a lot of time to waste on trial n' error right now, and I'm dieing to get Linux installed on this thing!

As an aside, I'd like to show my Eee PC off at work, but there's NO bragging rights with XP, unless you work at Goodwill Industries or a Salvation Army Thrift Store, you know?

Having considered the situation ad nauseum (during the past week) I think my best bet is to multi-boot my Eee PC, using the default XP SP3 OS (hate to waste a perfectly good license, even if it's for a sh!tty OS) and install Ubuntu 9.04 with the Array.org 2.6.28-12 kernel for my primary OS.

Linkage: http://array.org/ubuntu/news.html?id=43&tag=index (Array.org Netbook Repository - Jaunty Packages Released!)

Anybody here running such a setup?!?!?

I've been able to run my Eee PC off of a Ubuntu 9.04 CD key (WiFi works), but my understanding is, you won't get full functionality without pinning the Array.org kernel to 'Jaunty'...

So, what do you say, my Eee PC brethren?

Anybody running a native install of Ubuntu 9.04? If so, is anything broken - function keys, touchpad, sound, et cetera?

And/or how about the Array.org kernel? Does it live up to its promise?

 

[VinDSL]

Never mind - Jaunty (with the Array.org Eee PC kernel) is working fine on my 1000HD

http://vindsl.com/images/EeePC-Jaunty-Array.Org.png (VinDSL.com - screenie)

EDIT

I'm testing 3 different 'Juanty' kernels now - and so far, the Array.org Eee PC kernel is the best, by far!

BTW, here's the important part of my menu.lst (GRUB) file, if anyone is interested in multi-booting their Eee PC:

## ## End Default Options ##

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-13-generic
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-13-generic root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro quiet splash
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-13-generic
quiet

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-13-generic (recovery mode)
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-13-generic root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro single
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-13-generic

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro quiet splash
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc
quiet

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc (recovery mode)
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro single
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-12-netbook-eeepc

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-11-generic
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-11-generic root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro quiet splash
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-11-generic
quiet

title Ubuntu 9.04, kernel 2.6.28-11-generic (recovery mode)
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.28-11-generic root=UUID=1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738 ro single
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.28-11-generic

title Ubuntu 9.04, memtest86+
hide (hd0,0)
uuid 1c7d2798-13ac-45d5-bf0a-6198cb0ec738
kernel /boot/memtest86+.bin
quiet

### END DEBIAN AUTOMAGIC KERNELS LIST

# This is a divider, added to separate the menu items below from the Debian
# ones.
title Other Operating Systems:
root


# This entry automatically added by the Debian installer for a non-linux OS
# on /dev/sda1
title Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
rootnoverify (hd0,0)
unhide (hd0,0)
makeactive
chainloader +1

As you can see, I hide my partitions from each other.

IMHO, hiding the partitions (when multi-booting) is the ONLY way to fly!

I've multi-booted many machines and had a 100% success rate by doing this... :beer:

 

[Babbles]

Originally posted by: VinDSL

Originally posted by: AUMM
just bought the Asus 1000HE with the 2gb upgrade..... get it tomorrow. cant wait.....

Thanks for the replies

Thanks for lighting a fire under my ass!

I bought my first Netbook yesterday...

Target is running a special at their B&M stores (only). I got a Asus Eee PC 1000HD for 249 bones.

LoL!

When I was driving to the store, to check it out, I told my wife, "I hope I hate this thing, 'cause I really don't want a Eee Pc."

She said, "Oh, you're so negative! Why are we even going there?"

I replied, "Because I want to check it off my list."

I figured I'd buy it, play with it for a few days, and return it (Target has a liberal 90-day return policy) but...

Dude, I'm loving this thing! :thumbsup:

I suppose this 1000HD was made especially for Target. It's got 1GB RAM - which I'll expand to 2GB, when I can figure out where I left the SO-DIMMs that came out of my Toshy. And, it came with a 160GB Seagate HD. The HD was partitioned at the factory into 2 - 80GB drives, which will be great for dual-booting Linux / XP.

Anyway, so far, so good. I'm a happy camper!

Based on reading this post I went out and picked up my Asus eee at Target for $250. So far I am very happy with it - my biggest complaint is with the keyboard layout. I can not stand where the right shift key is placed. Also the way the Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down are organized sort of drive me nuts - but nowhere as near as the location of the right shift key.

I would like to be able to justify getting the eee 1000HE, but the cheapest I have seen that guy is ~$380 and I can not justify spending another $130 for marginal improvement.

I intend on using this for my MBA program - I have a conventional 17" notebook for home use but it's way too big and heavy to lug around for daily travel. Hopefully it will run what I need it to run. I did upgrade it to Windows XP Professional.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Babbles
Based on reading this post I went out and picked up my Asus eee at Target for $250.

So far I am very happy with it - my biggest complaint is with the keyboard layout.

I would like to be able to justify getting the eee 1000HE, but the cheapest I have seen that guy is ~$380 and I can not justify spending another $130 for marginal improvement.

I have a conventional 17" notebook for home use but it's way too big and heavy to lug around for daily travel.

~Cool

I agree that the keyboard is a little weird - took me a couple of days to get used to it - in particular, having to use the function key in combination with the arrow keys. LoL! But, I'm used to it now...

Supposedly, you can buy the 1000HE 'chicklet' keyboard at the Asus Store for $15, and it'll fit on a HD with a little trimming of the metal tabs. However, I have a 'chicklet' keyboard on my Toshy laptop, and it's a little weird too, so I think I'll leave it alone.

The only thing that REALLY bugs me is the lack of a Num Lock indicator. I'll be typing away, and realize I'm using the virtual keypad instead of the QWERTY keys. Grrr...

All the rest... you hit the nail on the head! At this performance/price point, I'm willing to put up with a few oddities.

BTW, I installed 2GB RAM in this machine today, and I couldn't tell one iota of difference, so I reinstalled the 1GB stick.

Anyway, I think it's a keeper. I'm very happy with it so far...:thumbsup:

I think I'll try a different OS next. I dunno... I'm getting sorta tired of Ubuntu, you know? Maybe I'll go with Debian next or (gulp) Solaris.

 

[VinDSL]

Here are more weird ones for you...

Have you noticed how long the AC power supply stays lit up after you pull the wall plug?

That thing must have one hella capacitor in it - great for power spikes/interruptions , I suppose...

And, I noticed that the USB ports have power on them, after you power down the computer. That might be handy for charging/powering devices from the USB ports without having to leave the netbook running.

Also, this is the first machine I've ever owned (lappy or desktop) that the sleep/suspend/hibernate actually worked 100% of the time, e.g. wakes up, under both Windows and Linux.

Heh! This thing just continues to amaze...

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
I think I'll try a different OS next. I dunno... I'm getting sorta tired of Ubuntu, you know? Maybe I'll go with Debian next or (gulp) Solaris.

Well...

I ended up wiping the (Linux) partition again and trying Eeebuntu Standard 3.0 this time, and...

Dude, I'm digging this distro! Looks/works great on my Asus Eee PC Netbook! :thumbsup:

Eeebuntu Standard 3.0 is based on Ubuntu 9.04 'Jaunty' Desktop. So, what you end up with is a full desktop version of Ubuntu 9.04 without the obnoxious Ubuntu 'Clean Dirt' Theme; nor do you have to deal with installing your own custom Eee PC kernel/utilities/drivers. The Eeebuntu installer takes care of the minutia for you!

Heh! Kinda looks like an Apple MacBook now...

EDIT

Here's a Eeebuntu Standard 3.0 snappy for you:

http://vindsl.com/images/EeePC-MacBook-clone.png (Apple MacBook Screenie on Vin's Eeebuntu 3.0 install)


For comparison, here's my Eee PC running Ubuntu 9.04 'Jaunty':

http://vindsl.com/images/EeePC-Jaunty-Array.Org.png (Native Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop install with Array.org kernel)


LoL! Check out those hideous Mister Magoo (50's cartoon character with nearsightedness) font-sizes in Ubuntu...

Eeebuntu Standard 3.0 is mad pimpin', drop-dead gorgeous on my 1000HD! :sun:

Not bad for $249, huh?!?!?

 

[Babbles]

Originally posted by: VinDSL

Originally posted by: Babbles
Based on reading this post I went out and picked up my Asus eee at Target for $250.

So far I am very happy with it - my biggest complaint is with the keyboard layout.

I would like to be able to justify getting the eee 1000HE, but the cheapest I have seen that guy is ~$380 and I can not justify spending another $130 for marginal improvement.

I have a conventional 17" notebook for home use but it's way too big and heavy to lug around for daily travel.

~Cool

I agree that the keyboard is a little weird - took me a couple of days to get used to it - in particular, having to use the function key in combination with the arrow keys. LoL! But, I'm used to it now...

Supposedly, you can buy the 1000HE 'chicklet' keyboard at the Asus Store for $15, and it'll fit on a HD with a little trimming of the metal tabs. However, I have a 'chicklet' keyboard on my Toshy laptop, and it's a little weird too, so I think I'll leave it alone.

That's interesting about the keyboard replacement - I like the layouts of the other, but I'm way too lazy to do some hardware changes like that.

The only thing that REALLY bugs me is the lack of a Num Lock indicator. I'll be typing away, and realize I'm using the virtual keypad instead of the QWERTY keys. Grrr...

I haven't had that issue as of yet. I touch type so I'm usually looking at the screen and notice any screw-ups.

BTW, I installed 2GB RAM in this machine today, and I couldn't tell one iota of difference, so I reinstalled the 1GB stick.

This is really interesting. I have already been looking at getting a 2GB stick from Crucial. Did you monkey around with the memory upgrade in both Linux and Windows XP? I'm doing XP Pro and I would just imagine it may be a bit more of a resource hog than the typical Linux distro.

Anyway, I think it's a keeper. I'm very happy with it so far...:thumbsup:

Yup yup!

Like I said I ideally would have preferred the 1000HE but I just can't justify the cost difference. I would like to have a longer battery life, but I suppose the reality is in most days I'm not too terribly far from a power outlet.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Babbles
That's interesting about the keyboard replacement...

BTW, I installed 2GB RAM in this machine today, and I couldn't tell one iota of difference, so I reinstalled the 1GB stick.

This is really interesting. I have already been looking at getting a 2GB stick from Crucial. Did you monkey around with the memory upgrade in both Linux and Windows XP?

Yes, I tried XP and Linux for about 6 hours (combined runtime)... no noticeable difference... but a priori knowledge tells me otherwise, i.e. cold, white-knuckled reality....

Look at the specs for the 1000HD: http://event.asus.com/eeepc/co...n/eeepc_comparison.htm (Official Asus Eee PC List)

1GB RAM is officially bona fide and sanctioned by Asus for use with XP, but for modern day Linux, 2GB is specified... except in China and India (cough) where Asus thinks they only need 1GB for both. The rest of the world gets 1GB RAM for XP, and 2GB for Linux Eee PCs.

Sooo... I would judge that 1GB for your XP install is fine and dandy (based on my own experience and the official specs) but 2GB would be preferable for Linux, unless you live in China or India.

Accordingly (running Linux and living in Arizona, USA) I'll be buying a 2GB stick for my Netbook (as a $20 prophylactic) based on the official Asus specs, as well as my prior knowledge of how computer operating systems work.

Make sense?!?!?

Bottom line: Old skool keyboard will stay. Under spec'd 1GB RAM stick will go, at the earliest convenience!

 

[VinDSL]

W00T!

I found out that this thing does full-blown Compiz Fusion today - No tearing or laginess - Rotating Cube... everything!

Seems like this thread is petering out, but at this point, I'd have to say an Asus Eee PC et al (all 27 versions and counting) is the "Best netbook out right now"!

Damn it! I didn't want to fall in love with an Asus!!! :|

 

[VinDSL]

Okay...

I just went to a Fry's Electronics B&M and bought a 2GB Corsair "Mac Memory" DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz PC2-5300 stick (Product VSA2GSDS667D2 G) for $19.99 after MIR - $32.42 with tax and license before MIR... and I installed it. So far, so good! I got 15 days to return it - which is well within my 90 days Eee PC return period at Target, but, I got a feeling neither one is going back! I'm having too much fun with this thing!

Here's a purdy pic for you:

http://vindsl.com/images/2GB-Corsair-EeePC.png (VinDSL.com - Eee PC System Monitor snappy)

Since I'm running a (lowly) Netbook, I searched locally for a bargain basement RAM chip. I could have got a regular old Kingston 2GB PC lappy stick at Fry's for $26.99 without the rebate hassle(s), but doesn't a Corsair MacBook/MacBook Pro/iMac (Intel) RAM stick sound more exciting?!?!?

I also stopped at Goodwill Industries and picked up an unused multi-pocket Pacific Design (padded ballistic nylon) carrying case for $6.99. Looks $50-ish! LoL! Somebody probably got it for a gift, for their 17" laptop, and it wouldn't fit.

EDIT WoW! My 15.4" Toshy fits in the carrying case with millimetres to spare! I got a new 13" Dell carrying case around here I think will work better! Been using it for my 12.1" Fujitsu LifeBook...

Anyway... Where the hell did you guys go???

Has everybody given up on Netbooks?

I know I'm an early adopter, and all, but jump in... the water is fine!

I'm tired of typing to myself!

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