451 CAOS Theory 
A blog for the enterprise open source community
The incredible, expandable Linux netbook
Jay Lyman, June 8, 2009 @ 1:13 pm ETMy Acer A1 netbook that I purchased three months ago has already had four operating systems installed and run on it — it shipped with Windows XP, then it had Ubuntu Netbook Remix 8.04, then I upgraded to UNR 9.10, then I went back to UNR 8.04. Oh and I burned an image of Moblin OS onto USB and took that for a test drive, too. I’ve also used the Linpus OS that shipped on my wife’s Acer A1 and felt stunted and limited on both Linpus and Windows XP. So far, my preference is UNR 8.04.
While I installed and run the netbook version of Ubuntu, I typically always switch over to ‘Classic Desktop’ mode (under Preferences and Switch Desktop Mode in either UNR or desktop mode). This offers an environment that’s familiar to my desktop and notebook Ubuntu, and also, I believe, offers a more advanced experience, with multiple workspaces and, after some minor tweaking, access to more tools and applications.
While I’m still discouraged to see some recent developments, such as Eee netbook pioneer Asus turning more forcefully toward Windows, and I’m concerned about market maneuvering from Microsoft, I’m truly excited to hear that Ubuntu and Moblin, probably the best two operating environments I’ve used on my netbook, are coming together, along with other distributions, including Xandros and Red Flag. I’m also getting anxious to have an opportunity to try Android or at least some different applications. All of this software will run on my one netbook, and thanks to free and open source software distribution and licensing, I can make a set of USB keys to have for road trials, share with friends, family and acquaintances and spread. In the end, it seems Linux netbook distributions may start looking like Linux desktop distributions — numerous, tuneable, specialized and broadly supported in hardware and applications when popular.
While all netbooks and hardware may be capable of doing this, Microsoft’s software doesn’t really seem to fit the same way. I also look forward to trying Windows 7 on a netbook, but once I’ve tried it and used it, when can I expect something different — maybe an OS tuned specifically for 3G, or maybe one with practically zero onboard storage for purely Internet or cloud computing, how about a gaming netbook? With Linux the limits seem endless. This doesn’t seem as much the case with Windows, particularly Windows XP, for which the end has already come.
Comments (13) Categories: Software
[...] Original post: 451 CAOS Theory » The incredible, expandable Linux netbook [...]
a gaming netbook? Dont make meh laugh XD… But yeah, me has on me eee pc now pupeee, maybeh yer could try that…
been wanting to try puppy linux, maybe this would be the way to do it. thanks,
JL
Hi,
why do you stick with 8.04 instead of the newer 9.04? Is it because of the Intel video drivers?
I burned to USB and ran an early version (like day one or two) of UNR 9.04 and while I liked it, I had a few issues, including stability, I will surely be giving the newer version another chance. I’m also interested in upgrading to 9.04 for boot speed and battery life, so it will happen … along with other suggestions here, perhaps. I need me some more USB keys. Thanks,
JL
You should give Linux Mint a try. Best one I have used on my AAO yet.
thanks for the tip. this is what i like about being able to try different versions and systems. i’ll give mint a try, too. thanks,
JL
[...] The incredible, expandable Linux netbook While I installed and run the netbook version of Ubuntu, I typically always switch over to ‘Classic Desktop’ mode (under Preferences and Switch Desktop Mode in either UNR or desktop mode). This offers an environment that’s familiar to my desktop and notebook Ubuntu, and also, I believe, offers a more advanced experience, with multiple workspaces and, after some minor tweaking, access to more tools and applications. [...]
I’m using UNR 9.04. Performance and stability have significantly improved since I installed kernel 2.6.30-999-generic and upgraded the Intel video driver.For UNR users who eschew the brown motif, there’s a simple way to change colour theme. In Appearance Preferences, select solid colour for background. You will need to play with the colour palette to get your desired result.
[...] 451 CAOS Theory » The incredible, expandable Linux netbook [...]
“Acer A1 netbook” I Googled this and did not find such a netbook. I see Acer is to come out with an A1 iPhone like device in September. What netbook is this?
A1 is short for Aspire One.
Re: “Stunted and limited” on linpus, note that the Linpus installation can be easily “unlocked”.
http://the.taoofmac.com/media/Acer/Aspire%20One/AA1notes.html
I’ve used it to install ssh and GNU emacs.
But even unlocked it’s still a pretty old Fedora, though (Firefox 2.x for instance).