Netbooks run either Windows or Linux, and both are readily available in shops all over the world. The Linux variants chosen by several netbook manufacturers are usually derived from desktop distributions, and obviously, Windows is a desktop operating system as well. However, netbooks have small displays, and both Windows and GNOME/KDE and some of their applications aren't always suited well for such an environment. Enter Android, Google's Linux-based phone operating system. It is suggested that Android-based netbooks will appear on the market in 2010, maybe even sooner.
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Member since:2008-04-10
Out of curiosity, what makes Outlook so special? Where do Thunderbird and Evolution fall short? How about KMail? I was never a fan out Outlook when I was using Windows, so I'm just not too sure about the differences. To me, an email client is an email client - I can use Thunderbird for emails and RSS, and I don't need anything more (though I've barely scratched the surface of what Thuderbird can do).
Member since:2005-07-06
I'm not using it for email. Thunderbird handles my email much better than Outlook. Outlook has some problems with IMAP so I prefer TB.
But calendaring is another story. I like calendar syncing to all my devices. I want to work offline and sync later. I want to use tables, links, colors, fonts, and so on in my appointments. I even like to copy pictures or route maps to my appointments, and attach letters and so on. I mean, real attachments, not links to files. So when I attach a file, I can open that file on all computers where outlook is installed, or where I can access my Web Outlook using the Exchange server. I just like the offline mode, the syncing, the possibility to attach files and rich text to appointments, and the compatibility with a lot of devices. iCal / sunbird / korganizer / horde do not do that yet (I tried them all).
Member since:
2005-07-06
I agree that existing desktop-oriented distros are a beter fit for the Eee PC. I own a 1000H and have Windows XP running it. Screen resolution is no problem - the 1000H has a higher resolution than earlier models.
This is probably improving further. Screen resolutions will improve, so the reason to use android will become void.
Having Linux on the Eee PC is definitely an advantage. I would love to, once a replacement for Outlook is available. (Current "replacements" do not even come close.) Full hard disk encryption is also important. I currently use truecrypt, and it's slowing down startup times somewhat. This is unavoidable. But an Ubuntu distro with only /home encrypted would start up faster. Windows needs a full disk encryption because the way it manages it's files...