Cheapest netbooks discussion

Sami_Bee

Fifer wrote: »

I've been using Eee PCs for a year and haven't yet had to dirty my hands on Linux. The vast majority of users wouldn't find it any more difficult to use than a Windows machine. In fact, easier I'd wager. Less risk of spyware and viruses.

I would say tho it depends on what you want to use the webby/notey for tho
I've got the Acer Aspire One ZG5 and the linux-ness of it does my head in sometimes mostly the difficulty in using the little extras I like that need to be downloaded (I've given up trying to work out how to install a downloaded 'thing' on it!) which also means I'm using a reeeaallly old version of firefox
Also worth noting that some printers aren't compatible with linux so I have to save anything I want to print on a usb stick or sd card and then print on my pc

rednose66 wrote: »

I have to say that for the average user who just wants to browse and possibly check email with the very occasion bit of word processing, Linxus does the job and is no more difficult than XP.

Do agree with that bit tho

awdgldtldkmd wrote: »

I have been told with Linux there is limatations on accessing certain companys i.e Banking details. Windows is preferred by all the Banks

you mean nasty people who want to hack into our online banking facilities prefer us to use windows :P
I find Barclays works better on FF than IE and have had no probs at all using the site on my linux webby:cool:

skylight

Can I ask a stupid question? No?? Well, I am going to ask anyway.

Now, dumb and dumber here (me!) is thinking of a netbook for college. Small, light and easy to carry and less hassle for notes than a pen and paper. I haven't decided on a free mobile broadband one or buy one outright (for less money overall).

I want to access the internet and email which I am well aware that is what they are designed for. But my daft question is, can you put other software like Open Office or Windows Office and run happily Word and Excel??? And not many are described as having a USB port - do most not come with one then???

uktyler

skylight wrote: »

Can I ask a stupid question? No?? Well, I am going to ask anyway.

Now, dumb and dumber here (me!) is thinking of a netbook for college. Small, light and easy to carry and less hassle for notes than a pen and paper. I haven't decided on a free mobile broadband one or buy one outright (for less money overall).

I want to access the internet and email which I am well aware that is what they are designed for. But my daft question is, can you put other software like Open Office or Windows Office and run happily Word and Excel??? And not many are described as having a USB port - do most not come with one then???

Most come with USB ports, but no CD slot.
The Linux versions usually come with Open Office, or you can download this for free.

I have an Aspire One, it cost £155, runs Linux with Open Office, and surfs the net easily.

uktyler

Sami_Bee wrote: »

I've got the Acer Aspire One ZG5 and the linux-ness of it does my head in sometimes mostly the difficulty in using the little extras I like that need to be downloaded (I've given up trying to work out how to install a downloaded 'thing' on it!) which also means I'm using a reeeaallly old version of firefox

I could not get on with Linpus on the Aspire, too much 'open terminal' messing around for me.

I replaced it with Ubunutu Netbook Remix, which is a lot easier to use.

Many downloaded programs just download and run, without the messing about. I can recommend this option if you struggle with Linpus.

inmypocketnottheirs

I ummed and arrred over this very subject a couple of months ago and settled for a Sumsung NC10 from https://www.misco.co.uk for £310 inc VAT and Delivery on 9 months buy now pay later.

It is an excellent piece of kit, slightly larger 10.1" screen and better sized keys make it easier to use. XP works well, have put on Open Office, Firefox and Thunderbird. Regularly use in wifi hotspots i.e. Costa Coffee and McD and also via bluetooth to my mobile for net access. Just this week switched from a Nokia N95 on 02 to an HTC Touch HD on Orange and it works seemlessly.

The NC10 really is a proper PC more than a netbook, with 1GB rom and 160 MB ram and 1.6mhz atom processor making it almost a proper PC.

JDPower

inmypocketnottheirs wrote: »

The NC10 really is a proper PC more than a netbook

Um, don't think so lol

DietRx

Hi, Can anyone recommend a place where you can purchase a netbook with no OS, i.e. no Windows/Linux, Just the BIOS.

I want to get a netbook and install Unbunto

All that i have managed to see is bundled packages. and not being funny but running XP or Vista on a small machine like that seriously hinders its capabilities.

uktyler

DietRx wrote: »

Hi, Can anyone recommend a place where you can purchase a netbook with no OS, i.e. no Windows/Linux, Just the BIOS.

I want to get a netbook and install Unbunto

All that i have managed to see is bundled packages. and not being funny but running XP or Vista on a small machine like that seriously hinders its capabilities.

I think you need to buy a Linux one and wipe the drive when you install Ubuntu, thats what I did with mine. As Linux is very cheap for manufacturers to install I doubt you will find one cheaper without an OS, if you can find one at all.

DietRx

Thanks i'll do some searching

nikopol

Sami_Bee wrote: »

you mean nasty people who want to hack into our online banking facilities prefer us to use windows :P
I find Barclays works better on FF than IE and have had no probs at all using the site on my linux webby:cool:

Undoubtably so - I've got accounts with ING, Abbey, A&L, Smile and the Co-op (as well as some other foreign banks) and have no trouble whatsoever logging on to them from Linux. That argument seems a bit like a hangover from 15 years ago when Java wasn't yet running properly on linux. Long gone are those days - it would be absolute suicide for a bank to exclude the growing market of Linux esp. with the current explosion of the netbooks.