Netbook

[SamF]

The operating system is basically a modified version of fedora with xfce WM - It works fine for normal users but Opening the terminal seems slow for some reason - same with text editor so currently in the process of configuring fluxbox

[entwisi]

have you tried actualy putting something like Ubuntu on it? I've just shoved it on a HP Mini Note ( 2133) and it runs lovely with Gnome. Its only got a VIA VGA chip in it so no fancy 3D but for what these things are aimed at its spot on.

It also even runs the propriety Broadcom Wifi card using teh recently released STA drivers.

I was actually really impressed with it as a nice small footprint piece of kit.

[SamF]

Originally Posted by entwisi

have you tried actualy putting something like Ubuntu on it? I've just shoved it on a HP Mini Note ( 2133) and it runs lovely with Gnome. Its only got a VIA VGA chip in it so no fancy 3D but for what these things are aimed at its spot on.

It also even runs the propriety Broadcom Wifi card using teh recently released STA drivers.

I was actually really impressed with it as a nice small footprint piece of kit.

I have considered it - lookied at the ubuntu documentation for it and found this to be the current situation:

Fully functional:

 
Suspend / Resume            [ works out of box ]
Video (with desktop effects)[ works out of box ]
Wireless Networking         [ ath_pci loads by default instead of ath5k, but the fix is easy (see below)]
wifi power saving           [ works out of box ]
Wired Networking            [ works out of box ]
Webcam                      [ works out of box ]
USB                         [ works out of box ]
Silent Fan                  [ fan works, silent?? needs scripts ]
Audio [ semi-working (output only), internal mic DOES NOT WORK on 2.6.27 *; audio output over speakers broken since kernel 2.6.27.7 ]
Card Reader power saving    [ not tested ]
 
Partial Function:

 
wifi kill switch            [ working, but no notification ]
Card Readers, Bios 3109     [ Work out of the box, but write errors after suspend and on SDHC cards]
Card Readers, Bios 3305     [ Pre 2.6.27.7: Only right card reader works after setpci described above; no SDHC support]
Card Readers, Bios 3305 [ 2.6.27.7: Both card readers work again after setpci described above; no SDHC support, but at least the insertion of cards is automatically detected.]
 
Not Functional:

 
Hibernate on A110L [ Seems to work for for some if there is a swap partition that is big enough so we can suspend to it. Test carefully before using!. ]
 
Wireless module

 There has been some confusion as to which wireless driver provides the best performance and reliability. I have found the following: 
 
madwifi from kernel (ath_pci) - does not attach to hardware.
ath5k from intrepid backports (ath5k) - connects to hardware, but experiences disconnects on medium to heavy wireless activity, and can not communicate with some AP's using WPA2 PSK.
madwifi-hal from snapshots.madwifi.org (ath_pci) - Everything works.

Since I am a fan of fluxbox anyway I am happy running this tweaked version of linpus for now - might change when Ubuntu is fully compatible

[entwisi]

I've used madwifi a number of times so its fully functional or certainly as much as your linpus will be if not more. (i've read soem rather iffy articles about it but hey, I've not used it personally so can't say for sure).


You can always dual boot it you know

[Neil]

Originally Posted by entwisi

You can always dual boot it you know

Thats probably the best idea and what I do with mine

Ubuntu and XP

The XP gets used most of the time because the trackpad is rubbish in Ubuntu. It does work though, well most of it. It has the same mic issues mentioned for the AA1 and the function keys are iffy, Screen brightness is poor and changes by itself - sort of.

Its a shame because my initial intention was to use it mainly on Ubuntu and only use XP when I had too.

[entwisi]

You fancy dropiing it off with me for a while to see if I can 'assist'? Between me and my geeky mates you never know what we can achieve.

[SamF]

Linpus is doing everything I want it to atm - found a pretty good guide online on getting fluxbox set up (harder than normal, but easy when you know how) Have all the built in programs working only problem now is keyring is active so im having to enter wireless key everytime i reboot - fixing that atm. Also for some reason can't chane the theme in firefox from this disuisting grey =\

[The kevolution]

Thanks for the tip-off on this. Mrs Kevolution has been eyeing up this machine for a few weeks so when I told her a quick visit to Asda was in order.

Seems to be working well at the moment although we're still trying to get to get the QQ messenger system properly installed and working. I'd probably have it fixed by now but she's discovered the joys of Frozen Bubble.

[entwisi]

I prefer Pidgin myself or Gaim.

Not suer if these are in teh linpus software repository but you could ask her to look for these

[Neil]

Originally Posted by entwisi

You fancy dropiing it off with me for a while to see if I can 'assist'? Between me and my geeky mates you never know what we can achieve.

I might take you up on that thanks but have become sadly attached to it

Anyway I might see you in Church in the morning

[K.S.H]

sounds interesting. been thinking of getting something like this, what's battery life like? where did you buy the extra ram from?
Posted via Mobile Device

[SamF]

Originally Posted by K.S.H

sounds interesting. been thinking of getting something like this, what's battery life like? where did you buy the extra ram from?
Posted via Mobile Device

1GB RAM from 7dayshop.com

And the battery life is about 2 hours though im on about 2 and a half hours after heavy use since im runing fluxbox

[Neil]

The battery life is one of the things I like best about the NC10

[SamF]

Originally Posted by Neil

The battery life is one of the things I like best about the NC10

The battery life is a good point - but that is pretty much all you are getting for double the cost, other than an outdated OS.

The Samsung is the best netbook out there but overpriced for what it is IMO

[SamF]

Whilst on the subject of battery I think I will run some tests tomorrow- managed 2 and a half hours running spotify through wine, updating the software, using firefox, acroread and UIM(messenger) Pretty heavy usage and it lasted 15-30 mins more than it does just browsing the internet using the shipped WM. I'm going to charge it overnight and see how long it lasts running idle.