Comments on: Which OS would you want in a Netbook?

Acer is reportedly planning to release in August its Google Android-equipped Netbooks, which will also come bundled with Windows XP. Which operating system would you use?

[baconstang]

I see no reason for a netbook for me. I have a 2 year old (almost) MacBook that kicks ass on any netbook. Yes it's a bit larger and heavier, but not that much, and neither will fit in your pocket. That's what the ipod touch is for.

[jag0]

Troll much?

That wasnt' the point of the article now was it?

[antifanboi]

If someone needs to put in a good, robust OS into a netbook, then that person should take a few things into consideration: installation size, memory load, ease of use, compatibility with peripherals. Right now it appears that there are 5 contenders: Win7, OS 10.?.?, Ubuntu, Chrome, XP sp 3.

Personally, I would rather wait until standards for cloud-computing have been properly established and beta-tested before I would think of splurging $200+ for a netbook. But from my experiences with customers in my line of work, I hope Redmond would keep supporting XP sp 3 until they could make Win7 more compact and "prole"-friendly (those who done know what "prole" means, read Orwell's "1984").

Both Ubuntu and Chrome deserve a chance, but then your average Joe 6-pac would really be more confused than s/he already is with only 2 OSes. So much for KISS, eh?

[baconstang]

Logical comments are NOT tolerated on this board... didn't you get the memo?

[Forked_Tongue]

I would like win7 just because I'll most likely run into a situation where I need access to something that requires MS OS to install a third party program. I just wished the OEMs would get off their lazy behinds and offer the best Linux for the job, something like Puppy, Damn Small Linux, or slax of some type the only reason I can see not to offer them is that these machines would be so fast it would make it hard to sell some of larger and faster laptops. I run win7 and Pupeee on my netbook, both are great, while one has eye candy and supports all website plugins the other is simply faster, much much faster for most tasks.

[kelmon]

Anything but Windows XP. It was fine at the time but its age is showing and, frankly, it's driving me nuts. Windows 7 cannot come soon enough. If you have been using a more current OS than XP then you'll know how jarring it is to go back to it and you see just how much things have moved on.

[zonfor]

What about ubuntu?

[carlfri]

I hated the unbutu netbook remix. I liked regular Ubuntu Jaunty but the big deal is my printer is an all in one. Linux does not like all in ones that print, scan and copy . I could print but that is it.

I'm tempted to try pc-bsd.

[Forked_Tongue]

Win 7 is slightly faster and runs smoother (my experience) and netbook remix imho was faster than XP. If you have one or if a friend does download Pupeee Linux and be amazed as what direction OSes should have gone towards instead.

[pithenumber]

what happened to linux?
like Ubuntu netbook remix

[pithenumber]

what happened to linux?
like Ubuntu netbook remix

[markosph]

I would go the way of a larger version of a iPod touch that is 6-8 inches... other than that Windows 7 on anything else.

[jscott418]

I think any Apple Netbook if it were to actually happen would end up being too expensive as I have seen with Sony's netbook. The cost to add such unique features as maybe a touch screen would certainly defeat the purpose. I think the popularity has simply come from a low price tag. Not to mention the fact that many still are tied to Windows XP and this is a cheap way to get it. We have seen from the sales numbers that not many are selling with Linux. As much as the Linux fans would lead you to believe Linux is making strides. It's just not going to happen even with Google behind it. I would more believe Apple could have some success then Linux. Consumers know Apple and they are familiar with Apple's quality. I have ordered a netbook but not as a primary laptop.

[vinoman2]

Ubuntu 9.04 . More stable and secure than windows and just as easy to use!

[Inconnux]

Most people will want a version of windows because it will run the applications that they are used to... People view netbooks as mini laptops, not as a new product so they will expect them to perform the same way as their desktop systems... Linux works great for those with technical knowledge and for those who are willing/can switch to different applications... Personally, I would probably load Ubuntu 9.04 on it. For a full blown laptop, I have loaded Windows and Ubuntu.

Until Android has a 'killer app', I see at as a non-starter for 99% of the public.

[mavfan2]

I want OSX on my netbook, oh wait, I already have it running on my Dell mini 9. Hopefully the Apple EULA police won't be knocking on my door anytime soon! ;-P

[AbstractThoughts]

I have a netbook already, I was going to vote on which OS i would use. However, you don't have the option. I am running Ubuntu Jaunty Netbook Remix. It is wonderful. I would not switch to any other OS.

Presto Ubuntu for me! Thanks for asking, 7 second boot off my ssd! Netbooks are for speed!

[spo00n]

I'm totally convinced that the avg consumer has no idea what a netbook is. The manufacturers clearly wanted Linuxes on the things & capitulated to the consumer (sure Microsoft selling Windows cheap had something to do w/ it.....wait Linux is free, nevermind) There was a lot of noise about Linux returns, but the fact is that the return rate for Windows netbooks have been high too. Folks think they're cute li'l full-fledged Notebook PCs & when the realize they're not, back they go!. Sure, folks didn't know what to do w/ the Linux OSs, but Windows on an Atom? Not a good mix. How's that look after 18 months? Windows doesn't belong on them anymore than Windows XP, Vista or & belong on your blackberry. Sure Microsoft wants the segment, but the manufacturers did a crap job of marketing the things & that's why I think they're stuck w/ Windows. I get the impression they really want Linux back on the things, but are having a hard time selling it to consumers...well, not a hard time, you'd have to engage in real advertising first for that to be the case.
A Netbook is for basic web, email, messaging, social networking, documents & some multimedia. All are fully provided by Linux OSs. There's no need for a slow, self-destructing OS like Windows.

[Papa Chango]

Linux.
Whether it be a full KDE, Moblin, Android or Chrome OS.

I discovered at work that I could live without Windows (we have a few Macs), then I bought the Acer One and discovered that I could live with Linux. I then dual booted every desktop and laptop in the house with Linux/XP and Linux/Vista and now with Virtualbox Ive moved to full time Linux (writing on Kubuntu Linux desktop now) with XP running virtually.

You can live without Windows, Mac users and Linux users do it every day. Web based apps make it easier and easier.

I know web based OS like gOS exist and many people only need web apps but if I can run a full Linux desktop on my Dell Mini netbook, Id prefer that to the simply web option. I dont see myself doing either/or but rather a combination of web based and computer based apps. but for many, those will be enough.

Wake me up when the ARM based netbooks come out.
RIght now theyre back to hovering around 350-400$ and Im not impressed by the prices.
A $199 ARM based netbook that runs web apps sounds ok though.

[lsd1960]

Anything but Windows!!!

[bobbybob3680]

PRESTO. i love it! boots in bout ten seconds. perfect for a netbook. it does EXACTLY what the netbook was made for and more, whilst not being slow!

[yogeshpandit]

I will go for Moblin for my Dell Vostro A90. Just waiting for the final release. I think it will beat every other alternative for the performance (of course on atom processor based Netbooks and not ARM based netbooks) . Check out
www.moblin.org

[jabailo]

I look forward to the Suse/Moblin build that Intel is working with Novell on.