notebook/netbook ?

[jann]

I want to buy a cheap small lightweight notebook/netbook to take abroad as my laptop is too heavy . I'm thinking of an Acer Aspire refurbished from Acer Direct, but it has Linux operating system.

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Grade_A2_-_Acer_Aspire_Netbook__A2-LU.S020A.089/version.asp?PID=171

I've only ever used Windows.Has anybody any experience with Linux. ? will it give me any problems ?

or any suggestions  for a different net/notebook  gratefully received.

Thanks Jann

[kirstyb]

Jann

If all you want to do with it is surf the web and send the odd email, then Linux would be OK. The problems start if you want to do more and are used to a Windows operating system. These netbooks can run Windows XP, although I would recommend that the RAM is upgraded. The reason they come with Linux is that the operating system is open source and therefore free. Also bear in mind that netbooks do not have an optical drive, so reinstalling the operating system should anything go wrong is a little less straight forward.

There are XP based models on that site although you are paying a little more for them. More RAM and a bigger hard drive, as well as the all familar Windows interface.

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/GRADE_A1_-_Acer_Aspire_One_AOA110-Bw_Netbook_A1-LU.S020B.032/version.asp?PID=171

A proper notebook, even a used or refurbished one is going to cost more than the netbook. It really depends on what you want to use it for.

Kirsty. X

[jann]

  Thanks Kirsty, yes it's really just for e mails and the net whilst I'm away, the one you've quoted sounds better but a lot of the reviews say it's slower with windows xp 

Just wondering if it's worth bothering really 

[kirstyb]

Jann

It will be slower with Windows XP, but 1Gb of RAM should be enough for XP to surf the internet. Linux doesn't need nearly as much memory.

Good luck.

Kirsty. X

[jann]

  Thanks for your help Kirsty, I have now bought this

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-8077.aspx

and it is fantastic,I love it    It is so fast connecting  has Webcam, Windows XP and Word which is all I need 

I think my laptop will be redundant now