Which netbook to buy?

Mr. M · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 5:06 pm Post subject: Which netbook to buy?

I'm thinking of buying a netbook and have been doing some research on what I could buy. However, so far I haven't found a netbook which completely fits what I want; one of the most important things is that the hardware doesn't need any closed source drivers. I thought maybe some of my fellow Gentoonians have been facing the same problem and could give some advice.

My ideal netbook looks something like this:

Atom N450 CPU The N450 is more power efficient than previous versions, can run Gentoo amd64, and has an integrated Intel GMA graphics controller that works with xf86-video-intel (KMS etc. ).
Intel Wifi I have only had good experiences with the 4965AGN card in my Thinkpad; The driver is nicely integrated in the Kernel.
32 GB SSD It would be nice to have something that is more shock resistant than a hard disk.
Sold with Linux While I will put Gentoo on the netbook myself, it would be nice to buy a netbook with Linux in order not to inflate the sales statistics for Windows netbooks and also to avoid the MS tax.

The closest candidate I have found so far is the Dell mini 10. It fits all of the above requirements except that it has Broadcom Wifi, which AFAIK should be avoided. Also, I can't find a version of the mini 10 sold with Ubuntu that have the Atom N450, while other versions with Windows have this CPU.

Any tips on what netbook I could buy are greatly appreciated.

Kollin · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 5:14 pm Post subject:

I`m very happy with my eeepc 1000 ssd :wink:

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Ant P. · Watchman Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 6920

Keep in mind the hardware can vary wildly with only slight model number differences, so you've got to look closely at everything or you may miss the one you want. For instance that eee1000 may work fine, but my 1000H has ralink wifi which only works using an "official" driver (which really blows).

rtomek · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 6:49 pm Post subject:

intel uses broadcom chips and just rebrands them. Using a broadcom chipset shouldn't mean anything except that you're paying one company instead of paying one company to pay another company while keeping a little money in their pocket.

luismw · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 91

This probably won't help you at all because my netbook is underpowered according to your ideal setup, but anyway.

I use an Asus S101, with Intel Atom N270, Intel GMA 950 and Atheros wifi card. Gentoo is a very good choice for this netbook (for any netbook, I'd say) because it lets you build a system that is perfectly suited for your machine. This is very important in a computer with such limited resources.

All my hardware was supported out of the box by the regular gentoo-sources kernel. No need to install any proprietary drivers. There is a Linux version of this Asus model, by the way.

The Asus S101 wasn't very successful so, at least near where I live, they're selling them at less than half the original price. I bought mine for about 300$.

Mr. M · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:57 pm Post subject:

Nerevar · l33t Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 720

Here's the Ubuntu variant of the mini 10 with N450:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndoan1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

John R. Graham · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 11:09 pm Post subject:

Although I like my Acer Aspire One, my next netbook will have an Nvidia ION GPU on board. Perhaps something like the new Eee PC 1201N. Not going to do solid state right now: storage is just too small.

- John
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d2_racing · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:51 am Post subject:

One of my friend has the latest Toshiba that we can find on futureshop :

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/toshiba-toshiba-10-1-intel-atom-n450-1-66ghz-netbook-nb305-01e-blue-nb305-01e/10137532.aspx?path=5f35085c4521e6bbdad2c0893d177a99en02

It's working pretty well.

I saw the other day that ACER launched a Ferrari edition of their netbooks and laptops.

Shining Arcanine · Veteran Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 1110

Maybe it would be a good idea to hold out for netbooks based on Nvidia's Tegra 2 chip. They are ARM based and from what Anandtech reports, it appears as if they will make the Atom look like netburst:

http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3714

gentoo-dev · Apprentice Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 172

HP 2102 or 5102

Monkeh · Veteran Joined: 06 Aug 2005 Posts: 1656 Location: England

rtomek · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

Mr. M · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 3:51 am Post subject:

Ion Silverbolt · Apprentice Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 203

If I were to get something now, I would go with an HP mini 311

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Mini&series_name=mini311_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/notebooks/Mini/mini311_series

Even the weak Atom CPU's can handle most basic stuff well. It's graphics that will make it chug. In other words, GPU > CPU Forget Intel graphics.

I really like the HDMI out. You could output HD video to your TV if you wanted.

neshdenial · n00b Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 3

The Asus Eee PC 1000H features a Intel Atom chipset, 10-inch screen, 80GB hard drive space, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 1.3 megapixel webcam, Stereo speaker, Dolby Sound Room Certified, Digital Array Mic, WiFi 802.11n and weighs 1.45 kg...

emc · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:02 pm Post subject:

caowm2001 · n00b Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 1

pilla · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 1:52 pm Post subject:

Intel develops their own wifi devices and drivers, search for iwl???? in the portage tree.
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Shining Arcanine · Veteran Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 1110

It is a bit late to respond, but Asus just released a dual-core netbook:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/14/asus-busts-out-dual-core-eee-pc-1015pem-netbook/

gcasillo · Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 10:56 pm Post subject:

I currently have an Asus Eee 1000HE, and while I like it, I wish it had a GPU (e.g. nVidia ION) for better video playback and the potential for some modest gaming. I also want a x86_64 machine versus the i686; I have three x86_64 machines that would be able to assist with longer compiles via icecream. Cross-compiles have been too fussy for my liking.

I am considering selling my 1000HE and buying something more capable. Definitely want something with a GPU/chipset like nVidia ION. However, nVidia's new Optimus technology is a complete no-go as it will not support Linux.

A dual core Atom would be acceptable, but I'd strongly consider something with an i5 or i7 if the rest of the specs are Linux-supported. Sadly, the Alienware M11x has some appeal but comes with nVidia Optimus which I can't use.

Trackpad features aren't a priority. I never use multi-touch; I primarily use a Logitech Nano. I do like chiclet style keyboards and find the 1000HE's keyboard very comfortable.

1366x768 resolution (12" screen) would be nice, but I could live with 1024x600 (10"). I much prefer a matte screen to a glossy, highly-reflective screen. HDMI is essential; I have no need for an obsolete VGA port.

Battery life is important, but I primarily use my netbook plugged in at my desk. So long as I can get 4+ hours on a fully charged battery, I'd be very pleased.

I'd consider an Asus 1201N for its dual core N330, ION graphics, and 12" screen, but $450-$500 seems pricey for a relatively incremental step up. I'm open to a bigger, ultraportable notebook, and while I'm partial to Asus, I'd consider other brands. Finally, I really like a 64-bit Windows 7 install.

Ideas and recommendations? All options and price points are welcome. Looking for a pairing of good quality and value. Thanks!

Etal · Veteran Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 1931

meyerm · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 4:07 pm Post subject:

Will a tegra-based netbook/tablet be able to run X/wayland? The CPU-component is a standard ARM, but what about the Graphics? Is this an integrated GeForce which can be fired by nouveau etc.? Or will we stuck with the preloaded system as with the Intel Poulsbo stuff? Thanks

Shining Arcanine · Veteran Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 1110

Etal · Veteran Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 1931