Should I buy a netbook today?

Basically I'm on a tight budget and need a portable device for getting online and perhaps doing a bit of work when I'm away from my desktop. I have a smart phone but I need something more. I need a physical keyboard so tablets are out of question, but my laptop is just to bulky nowadays.

So I've had an idea. I'm going to buy a netbook (yeah I know right) maybe something like an Acer Aspire one, stick an SSD in there and install Linux Mint. I've found what lets netbooks down the most is the crappy version basic version of Windows that you get, Windows starter. You can't even change the desktop background, yeah talk about basic huh.

So is this a good idea? Anyone have experience with Linux on a netbook? I generally don't like asking these type of questions because it is my choice. But I'm curious to see what you guys think.

linux portable windows basic netbook online

asked Jul 12 '12 at 10:49

ojmar
1.5k●31●38●63

edited Jul 12 '12 at 11:45

7 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

I have a netbook and linux runs great on it. 100 times better than windows 7. A netbook with linux is nice because I can travel with it and when I get home, hook it up to my computer screen, use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse and it works as a desktop.

answered Jul 12 '12 at 11:19

ClaassenTech
1.1k●35●43●61

edited Jul 12 '12 at 11:20

Good to hear! Think I'm gonna go down this road it sounds like a fun little project :D

(Jul 12 '12 at 11:35) ojmar

I agree with netbook+linux, from what I heard it runs great with Mint, Ubuntu or Fedora.

(Jul 12 '12 at 11:51) DJ Scooby Doo

You can get bluetooth keyboards.

Android sees it as a input device to pretty much works on any apps.

answered Jul 12 '12 at 11:10

Jackster1337
8.5k●178●213●300

Yeah I have looked into tablets but the android ones I've tried all seem a bit laggy. Maybe the Nexus 7 will be the one.

(Jul 12 '12 at 11:13) ojmar

Yer it is a very speedy one. The GUI is super fast now and the new GPU helps it a lot. 1280x840 screen will also help with writing for it's small size.

(Jul 12 '12 at 11:16) Jackster1337

0	I don't know much about netbooks but I think Mint is a smart choice. answered Jul 12 '12 at 13:53 ClosetFuturist 1.7k●6●14●27

Hmmm having looked on ebay, with a bit more saving up I could just buy an older Macbook which would be better for me. Since I have an imac as my desktop it makes more sense. I think it's well worth the extra saving really.

answered Jul 12 '12 at 14:12

ojmar
1.5k●31●38●63

Which MacBook are you looking at?

(Jul 12 '12 at 15:23) DJ Scooby Doo

I was looking at maybe a white core 2 duo. I'm sure once upgraded to an SSD it would be brilliant for the price and what I'm using it for.

(Jul 12 '12 at 17:25) ojmar

I have a 2010 MBP, and it's running like a champ. Look for the MBP's if they're not too high in price point for you. Otherwise, the Macbook's look solid.

(Jul 12 '12 at 17:40) DJ Scooby Doo

Make sure the netbook is a true dual core and never spend more than $270 on a netbook,

also be careful when getting a used macbook, make sure you have all of the specs, and when you get it, install steam and play a game or find some way to stress the CPU and GPU (A friend of mine purchased a used 2010 macbook and had to use the ebay byers protection to get it returned because it had power issues and a failed/ swollen battery.

(not related to heat), stressing the CPU would cause the system to freeze (screen would distort) (other than the battery the motherboard issue was one that only happened under heavy load (may have been a few failing capacitors which failing ones introduce line ripple and other issues when under higher power draw)

(remember, even a macbook from 2010 has more than enough CPU power to handle todays CPU related tasks. I have used the macbook pro and it has no problem with photoshop, and the only issue is with maya and if you leave mental ray rendering for a few hours, the CPU will begin throttling (to keep the system so thin the cooling solution used is only boarderline able to cool the CPU)

PS one thing to keep in mind with netbooks is that most of the screens ate 1024x600, the screens have a very poor vertical viewing range, the speakers suck. (if you plan to work with video or watch a lot of video and fine sRGB to be important then a netbook is not for you unless you have an external display.

if you can find a good macbook from 2010 and up and the hardware tests out properly, and you don't really need to game, then you will have a system that will handle just about any task with no problem.

The main benefits are really good battery like with the modern ones (6-8 hours, and some can even go up to 12 hours with a 6 cell battery)

answered Jul 12 '12 at 19:48

Razor512
15.6k●34●80●242

0	Net-book's are very good for getting on-line in WiFi hotspots and portability, thought they are not THAT powerful they are adequate. If this if what you do, then it should suit you well. Callum Lord answered Jul 13 '12 at 17:17 Callum Lord 506●18●22●30

0	Have chromebooks ever entered your mind? The new samsung one is the best yet cheapest yet! Or are you in of need if native programs? Tbh if linux has entered your mind then native software is prob not a need.. answered Oct 25 '12 at 10:35 benwatkinsart 341●14●23●24

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