The notebook is dead, long live the netbook!

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 14:36

Opinion and Analysis

I use Skype extensively and the Windows version I'm using (Skype 4.0 beta 2) is way more advanced than the latest Linux version. I need to use my NextG USB card for mobile Internet - sorry no Linux driver. I'm a Firefox user but I want the option of trying out the latest version of Internet Explorer - even if everyone else thinks it sucks. I may even want to download iTunes - need I go on?

In short, I'm using this computer for business and I find that I need to use Windows. Linux advocates, I'm sure you'll think of 1000 reasons why I have it wrong but for me, Windows XP on the Eee PC 1000HD is the right choice. As for security, there are plenty of perfectly good free anti-virus/anti-malware packages. I downloaded the free AVG one for my new netbook (which has both anti-virus and anti-malware capabilities) and it works fine.

So now that I have a netbook for travelling on business, what do I do with now comparitively large Dell Latitude 620 notebook?

Well, the notebook is now sitting on our built in family room desk filling the role as a permanently connected desktop that we can all access whenever we need to use a computer. It also is fine to pack in luggage when we go away for a family vacation. But as a business computer for me my old notebook is now obsolete. Long live my new netbook!

For those of you interested in the specs of the Asus Eee PC 1000HD, here they are:

Operating System Windows XP Home or GNU Linux

Display 10"

Intel CPU & Chipset Celeron M 353 (900MHz)

Memory 1 - 2 GB (DDR2)

Wireless Data Network WLAN: 802.11 b/g

Storage HDD 80GB

Camera 1.3M Pixel

Audio HD Audio, Stereo speaker, Digital Array Mic

Battery 5.4 hrs*(Windows XP Home) 4.6 hrs*(GNU Linux)

Weight 1.45 kg

Colours White, Black
  
*Estimated maximum battery life under Windows XP is measured with BatteryMark 4.0.1 (in Eee PC Super Hybrid Engine Power-Saving mode, 40% LCD brightness, Wi-Fi off, BT off( if available), and camera disabled). Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

*Estimated maximum battery life under Linux is measured with JEITA Battery Run Time Measurement Method (in Eee PC Super Hybrid Engine Power-Saving mode, JEITA defined LCD brightness, Wi-Fi off, BT off( if available),and camera disabled). Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.