Netbooks: Acer w/ Windows vs. Asus w/ Linux

[Nikita]

Thoughts?

Keep in mind that I've never used Linux before. I do plan to go to an electronics store and try out both netbooks, and hopefully Linux. I've also read some info in the Linux threads around the forum. I will not likely have internet access, so what I get on the computer prior to leaving will be what I have to work with. Viruses are a big problem where I'm going, if I do manage to get online with it.

If you specify "other," please keep the price range at or below $300.00 US.

[darynthe]

I am writing right now with my Asus 900 with Linux. This computer I love. Don't know why, I have bonded with it as if it was a pet. I had never used Linux before, and I still have no clue how. I haven't and won't change anything in how it came installed. I bought it with the idea of writing articles and maybe a novel and also for surfing when I am in bed or when I travel.

In all these aspects the computer succeeded and met my expectations. Especially given I had a terrible problem with my lower back for a few months, the two pounds of the computer made it perfect for taking it to study groups. The open Office it has is compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

The graphics are not perfect though. If you want to watch movies it may not be up to your expectations. I found however a patch for Firefox to make youtube work normally. So I guess a little playing with it may help you.

I almost got the Acer with windows also as a gift from a company I get Internet from. I changed it for an Xbox instead as I decided this computer is enough for me.

I haven't used the Acer myself, but I think that if you have the money it would be a better idea for you to be honest. I love my Asus but this model will never be able to get Photoshop. I miss that. I saw the especifications of the Acer and it seemed good enough to get any windows program at all. It is wonderful. And the shell of the computer is of better quality than the Asus, looks like crystal. The Asus feels a little more plastic or organic, not sure how to call it.

Not sure of the range of prices at the moment. The Asus 900 must has gone down. i got it for 500 dollars after rebates six months ago. If you decide it is for you remember to buy the model with 20 gigas. Never ever go for the model of 16 Gigas as it has a much lower performance than almost any other Asus because they drop some components to make that specific model cheaper.

If you buy the cheapest Asus, then go for the 700 of 4gigs, as it can be opened and upgraded, which is not the case with the cheapest of all, 2 gigs. That one is subpar.

ETA

I was forgetting the Acer has a better memory. I think it is from 80 to 120 gigs, clearly superior and the ATOM processor makes it energy efficient, its battery lasts longer and generates less heat.
Asus models from 901 on have this processor too.

[iuvat]

If you're going to go with a netbook, then I don't see any good reason not to go with the Linux version. Yes, I am biased because I use Linux daily, but the usual netbook version of linux is perfectly suited for the job. It is more lightweight, and it is suited for most jobs.
If you plan on using it for more than just a netbook, linux should still work, as long as you dont plan on doing anything like hardcore gaming. There is an app for everything.

I don't have either version of netbook, but from what I've tried, I'd choose linux. Its up to you.

In short, linux would mostly likely be cheaper, good at what it does, but it is unfamiliar, though netbook linux versions aren't usually that complex. If you have no Internet just make sure you have it loaded up for what you plan on doing.
Windows is familiar, and you can use all your apps on it, but it always gets slower over time, and I don't think virus scanners would agree amazingly well with a netbook.
Hey, I don't have either - get a second/third opinion.

[Merle]

I did loads of research before buying my netbook and in the end I went for the Samsung NC10 - which is outside the price range you specified. I didn't want an 8" screen and wanted a bigger keyboard than the soooper tiny ones provide. If that is not an issue for you, which I'm assuming it isn't because you've specified the Acer as an option, then the Acer Aspire One with 1Gb RAM and 160 GB hard drive seems like a brilliant option. That is the same memory as my netbook and it works like a dream - plenty of room for all my music, movies and running apps. I went for Windows, just because I'm not tech-savvy and didn't want to learn a new system, but I don't see why, if you're willling, Linux would be a problem.

[gedreosan]

I've been using an ASUS 900A for about two months now as my go-to laptop. If you want the basics, internet, e-mail, IM, some office productivity, the ASUS with Linux will work great. When I still had the original version installed my boot time from pushing the button to doing something ran around 10 seconds. The way the netbook comes setup, you don't need to know anything about Linux itself unless you're making changes, and if you do, there's a ton of support out there in forums.

[QuintessentialI]

I'm waiting for the villiv S7 to come out.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
However, it is projected to cost way more than 300 when it's available.

For something around the $300 price range, I'd look at the Aware Apad, if it gets released in the U.S.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I'm a sucker for touchscreen, GPS, and Wimax functionality. They make great ebook readers and good all around umpc devices.

[IfThenElse]

Includes a modified xfce window manager preinstalled. It pretty easy to use if you know Linux, and you can install KDE with yum. But getting behind the preinstalled window manager without knowledge of Linux is a bit tricky, good documentation online though.

[foobar]

Hey Nikita,

I'd suggest you go for a Linux netbook, just because Linux is free. If you don't like it you can always have Windows installed afterwards, but you'll never know if it works for you unless you try it.

I don't own a netbook myself, mind you, but my ageing laptop doesn't have that better a spec than the average netbook. I use Linux on it on a daily basis, and I couldn't be happier.