
The netbook craze is currently in full swing, with these small laptops being advertised everywhere (at least here in The Netherlands); in fact, you can already get netbooks with 3G from the mobile phone carriers at severely reduced prices (but with a one or two year contract, of course). Netbooks are also welcomed by the Linux community as the break they've been waiting for: many netbooks are available with Linux pre-installed. One of the more successful (and powerful) netbooks out there is MSI's Wind, which is also sold under different brand and model names by other companies. In an interview with LaptopMag, MSI's Director of US Sales Andy Tung, however,
has some bad news for those that believe the netbook will be the foot in the door that the Linux desktop has been waiting for.
Member since:
2005-07-06
Even long time veterans have also pointed out that the quality of the Linux installation is definitely not up to scratch when compared to Windows XP. It is unfortunate that so many OEM's prefer to just throw the software onto the computer and hope for the best rather than making a concerted effort to create a unique experience.
Personally if it were me, I would have created a Linux based distribution where the GUI sat directly ontop of DirectFB then ontop of that built an easy to use stream line GUI using QT Extended Edition. It would be light weight and easy to use. The problem as far as I see is that people are trying to turn the netbook into a 'mini-computer' when what should be attempted is turn it into a basic stripped down device which does a small number of things well and doesn't attempt to do everything.