Remember way back in 2007 when netbooks were widely available with Linux pre-installed? Windows Vista would not run on them, and Microsoft would not re-release Windows XP, so Linux had a brief moment in the sun where it was the popular operating system for these new web surfing devices.
awesome little machine
Flash forward to 2011, and now you have to dig deep to find a netbook or laptop without Windows pre-installed, at an additional $60-$100 premium. Dell.com still has a few models, though not on their front page. If you search for ‘linux’ or ‘ubuntu’, you will find a few models, for example: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu
Asus has since established itself as a premier netbook provider. It is such a popular provider of netbooks, that it has developed its own Linux-based OS called Asus Express Gate. This OS is designed to do what a netbook is supposed to do: surf the web, watch video, check email, word processing.
This article is not about that OS, but rather to note that they have made 1 model available at Newegg.com with this OS, and offer it for $80 less than comparable computers. For $350 you get 2GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, 12.1″ screen, with one of the latest netbook processors, the AMD Athlon II Neo K125(1.70GHz) , and only 3.2 lbs!.
ASUS Eee PC 1215T-MU10-BK Black
AMD Athlon II Neo K125(1.70GHz) 12.1″ WXGA 2GB DDR3 Memory 320GB HDD NetBook
Hopefully it will prove popular enough that Asus and othes will offer more in the near future.
An “Open Box” version available for another $60 off, now sold out:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220857R
humorous note: Check out the Windows Screen on the item as of March 2011, even though WIndows is $80 optional extra at bottom of page:
windows not installed but they show it on the ad for this computer (this oops has now been corrected.)
Installed Ubuntu 10.10 64-bit on these machines, and they run great. ( Ubuntu Torrent download link )
I bought one for my father, myself, and one for my wife. And needless to say – this post is written using this model computer.
Asus Driver Download Page if you happen to need it.
Just came across this great looking store that has a great looking Ubuntu netbook
http://www.system76.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=105
Display: 10.1″ HD WSVGA Super Clear Ultra-Bright LED backlit (1024 x 600)
Graphics: Intel GMA 3150 graphics
Audio Output: Intel High Definition Audio
Networking: LAN (10/100), WiFi
Wireless: 802.11 bgn
Ports: VGA, 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack, SD Reader
Camera: Built-In 0.3 MP Webcam
Security: Kensington® Lock
Power Management: Suspend & Hibernate
Battery: choose between a 3 or 6 cell battery
AC Adapter: includes one AC adapter
Dimensions: 10.47″ x 7.28″ x 0.72~1.0″ (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.0 lbs. (0.907 kg.)
Anyone tried this company?