NetBook

I’ve seen a lot of topics on the internet (specially Slashdot.org) about netbooks and the constant and obvious arguments about Linux vs Windows (XP/Vista/7) on them. I won’t get into the licensing practices of Microsoft and why they are trying to restrict the netbooks down to 1GB of RAM. In all honesty, I don’t care, I just won’t buy a netbook version with Windows on it or those restrictions. So, as it would happen, my wife’s laptop screen burned out (JUST passed the warranty date of course).

Instead of paying the $600 for a new screen and repairs, I just decided to get her a new Dell XPS system. Thankfully it happened when all the back to school sales were going on and I got a good deal. Part of that deal was $200 off of a $300 netbook. So, for $100 I said why not? Luckily I got a Dell Mini 10v which had the upgradeable RAM module; so for another $34 I upgraded the RAM from 1GB -> 2GB. I tried giving Ubuntu its due when setting up a development environment and eclipse, but it was just too much of a pain in the butt. It took me less time to find a way to load Windows 7 on it with a USB device (tried using an SD Card, but I couldn’t get it to work).