Choosing and buying the right netbook isn’t simply a case of picking the cheapest one. With an increasing number of netbooks out there, choosing the one that meets your needs as well as your budget takes a little planning. Here we look at the options open to the netbook user in terms of operating system…
When the first netbooks launched back in 2007, the idea was to make them as cheap and versatile as possible. To this end, the likes of Asus and Acer launched their first models with Linux based operating systems. The reasons for this lie in the low cost of adding this to machine but also the ability to include all the software you’ll ever need – from email client, to work processor and even games – for free.
However, it quickly became apparent that average user wasn’t ready for this largely propriety approach to software and very quickly Windows XP became the netbook OS of choice.
October 2009 saw the launch of Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Shortly after, we saw the first netbooks running the OS and if you want to be up to date as possible, then opting for a Windows 7 machine is perfect.
However, If you’re intending to use your new netbook largely as a second machine for use when out and about, then opting for Windows XP makes perfect sense right now. This is because you’ll find some amazing bargains being offered. For instance, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10v and Samsung N130, are now cheaper than ever before but still offer great usability.
If you’ve decided that Windows 7 is the way to go, then you’ll need to be aware that most machines will come with Windows 7 Starter, which lacks many of the features of the same OS you’ll find running on faster laptops. This is due to the slower speed of netbooks but also as a way of differentiating between netbooks and budget laptops.
Once you’ve bought your netbook you don’t have to stick with the OS pre-installed on it. There are now a number of options that may well be better suited to you:
Linux: There are a wide range of different Distros that are ideal for netbooks - Asus used Xandros, while Acer used Linpus and even Dell got in on the act with Unbuntu. Any of these OS versions are ideal but as the companies themselves so longer carry support, you’ll need to turn to the open source community for help troubleshooting.
Chrome OS: Based on Linux, this OS is set for release later this year and makes perfect sense for anyone looking to run a netbook with as minimum fuss as possible. The idea behind the OS is that it has a simple interface and links with all your Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Docs, online. Chrome OS is perfect if you opt for a netbook with 3G embedded.
Jolicloud: This is yet another Linux-based OS, this time using Debian and Ubuntu 9.04 as the starting points, and is currently in public beta from Jolicloud. It has been designed to run on entry-level netbooks and once again relies heavily on the idea of users having constant access to the internet.
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