Asus mini-laptops with or without Linux?
Published: 2008-11-27 08:11:55
A few days ago, there were reports that Asus was to discontinue its Linux line of mini-laptops for the Nordic markets, as they did not sell as well as the Windows versions. I recently got a model 901 with Linux as a birthday present from my wife, and am very happy with it, even if I have replaced the standard Xandros installation with a full-featured Debian installation. No matter what, I am happy to not have had to buy a computer with a Windows license that I would not be using.
Now, it seems that Asus is reversing its decision, after several protests, and there will be new Linux models for the Nordic market. This is good news. Even if I personally don’t feel like the built-in Linux distribution fulfills my needs, it is very good for people new to computers. It’s simple, it works, it’s quick and it does the job. And you can open a terminal window relatively easy and install your own software from there (but most software is available through the Eee Download service, anyway).
I haven’t tested the Windows version, but there is only so much you can do to customize a Windows XP install. It’s still Windows, with all its quirks and problems.
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I also replaced Aspire Ones default operating system, though I might have not bought it at all if there would have been only Windows version available. Usually I have not faced that kind of decision as I build my own computers, but laptops are not that easy to build.