Comments on: Is Linux failing the Netbooks?

By: Cathy Limber

Cathy Limber — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:13:10 +0000

Thats a lovely blog post! I am so delighted you thought to share it.

By: jpzante

jpzante — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:07:24 +0000

hold on everybody, the MSI quote didn’t state the very reason for the linux-based netbook returns. Or the return was caused by linux-causing hardware failures?

By: Microsoft already won the Netbook OS wars | YugaTech | Philippines, Technology News & Reviews

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:08:03 +0000

[...] wrote something similar back in October 2008 (Is Linux Failing the Netbooks?). Some might say it’s too early to say yet all the signs are pointing to Microsoft XP taking [...]

By: hukares

hukares — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:26:19 +0000

@argee: What in the world would that friendliest Linux distro be?

The only reason that a fraction of fractions of the population knows about Linux is that it is not being taught it schools.

By: Mikey

Mikey — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:59:09 +0000

I have to agree with this report. I recently purchased an Acer Aspire One with a Linpus Linux OS and sadly, I have to return the unit because the OS keeps on turning off my screen. I had XP installed instead but, yeah, the WiFi is working but the indicator light in the Wi-Fi switch is working no more. Hah..so much for that. At least it’s working.

By: DJ

DJ — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:00:54 +0000

I think the problem here is that people want to use their netbooks as something more than a netbook can and is supposed to do. The Atom, no matter how large the HDD or SSD capacities get, is still that minimal processor designed for basic computing and nothing else. (Not to mention that the cheap SSDs used in netbooks are actually awfully slow.) Linux, similarly, as a netbook OS is perfect. A netbook is a basic connectivity and productivity device, and Linux has everything you need for that. But then, people are not satisfied with that because they then thought that, “Hey, it’s a computer too, why won’t I install all my favorite Windows apps in this thing like I do in my desktop?” After that, they realize it’s not Windows and think that whatever it is is stupid. The problem of familiarity, therefore, comes after the problem of misunderstanding the netbook concept.

By: argee

argee — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:40:18 +0000

Though there had been great strides in terms of making Linux more appealing to end users, there’s still much to be desired with the “complexity” of using a Linux OS. I for one am no dummy on computers and yet I find myself lost and confused whenever I encounter a hitch on even the “friendliest” of Linux distros. It does only take some patience and knowledge to find your way around the OS but that’s only true if you know your way around computers. This unfortunately is not the demographics of the people buying these cheap internet devices. What’s worse is that Linux does not enjoy the same amount of peer support you can get when you use a Windows OS. Let’s be realistic here, how many of your friends actually know Linux?

By: al

al — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:54:32 +0000

some of these people, considering they went for really cheap netbooks, are just not bent on spending extra for the familiar Windows. even if the upgrade’s cheap enough, they’d think less of the netbook when they get their hands on the linux.

By: BrianB

BrianB — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:51:38 +0000

I’d prefer linux on a netbook. With XP, I’d have to buy virus protection ad running virus protection on an atom processor is quite exasperating. Try running it in the background while you’re surfing. With linux there’s FF and Open Office pre-loaded. The unit is good to go.

By: Chef

Chef — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:03:32 +0000

The majority (mostly those those who dont go on yugatech) who buy the netbooks are either newbies or on a budget and probably just want to keep to what they’ve known and love.

XP on a netbook’s a $30 premium so why even bother with Linux? Why relearn how to ride a bike again?

By: Jay

Jay — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:07:49 +0000

found this lurking around in Ebay.ph, a nice guy offering services of installing a (pirated.. or so?) Windows, OSX, and Ubuntus on EEE, AA1, NEO, BLuE, HP Mini NOtE & WinD~~

Some reasons why you need to go to XP:

1. It’s easier to install programs
2. It’s easier to get help for stuff like how to create shortcuts and what not.
3. It has YM with Buzz, Avatars and a working webcam!
4. No need to relearn everything to operate your laptop
5. Lots of free downloadable software
6. And of course, games!

By: Num Lock

Num Lock — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:55:50 +0000

The reason why Linux is not a mainstream OS such us Windows is that it is not yet as comfortable to use.

As Herbert said, familiarity is the primary reason. We use Windows in our office as well as in every internet cafe.

By: Jay

Jay — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:28:56 +0000

“To Linux or not to Linux.”

Even though these “netbooks” are installed with Linux we all knew that right after unboxing an inevitable idea pops on our minds to install a TinyXP or XP Lite on that petty machine.

The low price is cool. (I wish every single netbook comes with no OS installed but supports a plethora of operating system.) So we can install whatever OS we like. I’m not encouraging piracy here, but get over it.. welcome to the real world Juan dela Cruz.

Linux is a great OS with a pretty functionalities to offer but nothing works better to what we are accustomed with (Windows XP). (yeah right! I’m using Vista) lOL

By: herbert

herbert — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:54:05 +0000

I guess it boils down to functionality and familiarity. People may no longer buy netbooks as their secondary laptop. It might be their first notebook, or even their first computer. If they will install their favorite programs on their first PC, might as well have XP as its OS.

By: Gee Please

Gee Please — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:35:38 +0000

Yup, now I remember with all the Intel branding all around the venue. I hope they interviewed you there for some of your views. I think the netbook market is pretty big now in the Philippines than in other Countries…

By: yuga

yuga — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:10:16 +0000

Not sure which one (had many instances), but it could be at the Manila Ocean Park with Intel launching the Atom and 5 netbooks on display.

By: Gee Please

Gee Please — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:02:34 +0000

I think it’s because of the population of buyers getting to excited by the low price but not getting accustomed to the OS the comes with that price. Adding a XP os would jack up the price a bit and thus they think it’s two different products altogether.

Btw, just saw a sighting of Abe at Net25 Netbook launch testing out some netbooks. Where was that Yuga?