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Netbook OS Suggestion

D

DLimmer

Junior Member
I have netbook with a 1.6 Atom processor, 1GB Memory (unable to put in more), 1366x768 screen.

It came pre-installed with Windows XP, but I've heard that Windows 7 has better battery/power features. I have some other OS's (Win7, 2003, Vista, etc) from my time as a student.

Which would be the best OS to put on this netbook for usability? I only use MS Office, Chrome (or similar browser) and VLC (SD movies).
 
The only Win7 put on netbooks right now is a special stripped down version called Starter, and the reason for that is Windows 7 is so damn bloated it wont work on mediocre netbook hardware.

Stick with XP. Thats what I use to run Chrome and VLC. It works great. No need for anything higher.
 
Thanks. I have a copy of 7 Professional, but think XP will feel faster and battery life hasn't been much of an issue anyways.

Sticking with XP.
 
I use Win7 Ultimate on an old MSI Wind and it runs fine (better than the XP install it came with). Turn off Aero if you want.

Other than that Linux Mint works very well on it as well.
 
I think windows 7 would be a better choice than xp, personally--bet you the battery life will be better.
 
I would have to agree with the above ^^^ poster. I would try Windows 7 if it will run given the updates and driver support. Otherwise look into a lightweight Linux distribution. So many to choose from lately and should be pretty lean to run.
 
I don't believe Windows 7 starter is actually any faster than the full featured versions of Windows 7, it just lacks features. It is given as an OS option simply because it's low cost- a $200 windows 7 ultimate license doesn't fit well with a $200 netbook.

That said, I'd run whatever version of windows 7 you feel comfortable using, or XP. With 1GB of RAM only, you might want to stick with XP. With 2GB, Windows 7 is fine on an Atom netbook.
 
If you "Beef" up the memory to 2GB, Win 7 (any version) will run very well.

Otherwise, with 1GB RAM you are better off with XP.


😎
 
The problem will be the 1GB ram. Win7 will gobble that up with no problems. Are you sure the Ram can't be upgraded?
 
Matt1970 said:
The problem will be the 1GB ram. Win7 will gobble that up with no problems. Are you sure the Ram can't be upgraded?
Click to expand...

Yes, this is the Dell Mini 10 (NOT the 10v), and it has the memory SOLDERED to the motherboard.

<copied from elsewhere>
You cannot upgrade it! It's not just an issue of taking the system apart or the HDD being in an awkward position...it's literally impossible to remove the memory module from the system.

See this blog post from Dell: bit.ly*/qwPPD
<end quote>

It's a shame they ruined a decent netbook that way. It has a 1366x768 screen, wireless-n and a decent size hard drive.
 
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