Linux on netbooks

[David Kramer]

David Kramer wrote:
> I've been casually toying with the idea of getting a netbook, but last
> weekend I decided I probably will.  I was at a convention where I saw a
> lot of them, and the screen and keyboards on the newer ones look pretty
> usable.  I mostly want to use it for note taking at meetings and mail/web
> when traveling. In the "That would be too cool for words" camp would be to
> use it as a MythTV client, but I doubt that's possible.  I think a 10"
> screen is about right.  And since it's mostly for note taking, the
> keyboard can't bee TOO contorted from a ful sized keyboard.  I'm open to
> advice on specific units and brands.
> 
> I have an important high-level decision to make; Do I get a Windows one
> and make it dual-boot with Linux, or get one that already has Linux
> installed?  My wife, bless her, said "You will never be happy with it
> unless you install the Linux distro you want yourself".  She might be
> right.  I've been looking at the Ubuntu netbook remix.  I'm not sure I
> would like the UI, but it looks like one can change that later.  At the
> very least their compatibility list will be useful.  Since many of these
> units have 120 or 160GB hard drives, having two OSes shouldn't be a
> problem, and makes it a little more useful.

(time passes)

OK, so I now finally NEED a netbook, because I just bought an iPhone
(sorry, Jerry) and need something running Windows to sync with (using
Outlook).  My Thinkpad T42 with WinXP is NOT the way to go.  Plus I'm
going on a trip soon.  I hope to buy something this weekend.

I have a good feel for what's out there, but I need to hone in on Linux
compatibility.  My criteria are 10"-10.1" screen, N450 processor or
better, and great Linux compat.  Webcam and card reader are nice extras.
 Since this group owns a bunch of netbooks, I would love come
confirmation on my research, since some of it might be old.

- The Dell Mini 10 seems rock solid support after a few minor tweaks.

- The HP Mini 210 is based on the new Pine Trail tech and is not yet
fully supported under Linux.

- I keep seeing TONS of problems with the Asus EeePC.  Like keyboard and
mouse or screen not working.  Some have reported that a BIOS update
fixes most of that, but others haven't been so lucky.  I know there are
at least two BLUers with EEEs, so I'm very interested in this one.

The other rap I see on the EEE is that they suffer the ever-more-present
problem of the built-in speakers not shutting off when you plug
headphones into the headphone jack.  We've seen that at installfests and
I've never seen a solution for it.  That's a deal-breaker.

- The current Toshiba model is the NB305, which is widely reported to
not wake from suspend.  That's a deal-breaker.

The one last thing I would love feedback on is hard drive space.  Most
of these units come with 160GB hard drives.  I am ASSUMING this would be
cramped with both Win 7 Starter (plus Office, Firefox, etc and maybe a
ripped movie or two) and Ubuntu Netbook Remix (plus OO, Firefox, and
java/eclipse).  There are SOME 250GB units out there, but that really
limits my choices.  Do you think 160GB would be enough, or should I
choose a 250GB model?

Thanks again.