Re: Recommendations for Linux-based mini-netbook or mini-notebook
- From: Joe Pfeiffer <pfeiffer@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:52:17 -0600
Ramu <ramu.iyer@xxxxxxxxx> writes:
I am looking for a mini notebook (preferably) or mini netbook. I am
*not* looking for a smartphone.
Here is the netbook that I have been looking at:
http://www.eglobalwireless.com/p-4333-new-7-mini-netbook-laptop-notebook-wifi-windows-2gb-hd.aspx?gclid=CJHO0JGGkqICFQP7agodcRK7bg
But unfortunately it runs Windows. I prefer a portable Linux mini
notebook (or mini netbook). It could be any version of Linux (such as
Android, etc).
It probably isn't worth the effort to try to find something that runs
Linux out of the box. I got a Samsung N120 a little while ago (an
excellent mini-notebook that, IMHO, combines all the best features of
netbooks and notebooks -- tiny form factor, full-size keyboard, speakers
up in the bezel around the LCD display), but I believe is now out of
production. Booted it once (so there'd be no crap if it was DOA),
repartitioned, left XP on one partition for the vanishingly small number
of programs I run that simply have to have Windows and not in a VM and
put ubuntu on a new one.
I'd like to understand the following:
a) Can I connect an external hard drive with a USB connection to the
mini notebook?
I've never seen one that you couldn't. I'll note that I don't find an
external hard drive necessary for my laptop; I do run a script on my
home desktop that does nightly backups if that's what you're worried
about. I used an external CD-ROM to install ubuntu.
b) Does Skype install successfully and perform well for voice-only
chats (video, nice to have but not mandatory)?
c) How many USB ports are available? The reason I ask is that I am
more productive with an external mouse. Also one USB port will be
consumed by an Internet connection if I choose to subscribe to an "on-
the-go" Internet connection (4G) from Sprint. So I see that I will
need 3 USB ports --- external mouse, Internet connection, external
hard drive.
Like you, I hate touchpads, trackballs, and mini-joysticks and am much
more productive with a mouse. I also wouldn't consider a wired mouse;
my laptop has bluetooth, so I don't end up using a USB port for the
mouse. BT is almost universal these days.
Clarification: While I will take advantage of a WiFi hotspot, I am
often in the car, so I will need to carry an Internet connection on
the go (such as the one from Sprint).
If I choose to install additional memory to increase performance, how
high can I go?
Thanks for any feedback or pointers.
Ramu
--
As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should
be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours;
and this we should do freely and generously. (Benjamin Franklin)
.
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