[olug] EeePC, 4G w/Webcam

[Jim O'Gorman]

When I really look at what my needs are on any computer, its not too
complicated, and pretty much anything I buy is "over buying". And its not
like I hardly ever use the computer either, in fact, sad to say I am on
these things more then most people I know.

I currently use three different laptops. A windows system (work), and linux
system (personal) and a mac (personal). On top of that, I have some special
purpose distros on usb sticks I can boot the windows or linux system into. I
like to use my Mac, its a fun little system, but I can't say I get any value
out of it that I don't get out of my linux laptop. There are some things
that are really great on the mac, like I don't have to screw around with
poorly integrated video players, real MS Word and Excel, etc etc. But at the
same time, if I did not have that system, I would get by just fine with my
Linux laptop.

I do however find that what I really need/want is a laptop that is not too
expensive where I am worried about it getting lost/stolen/broke all the
time, small enough I can take it with me anyplace, and usable. The new EEE
coming out this summer (1280x600 screen in 9 inches) I hope will fit that
bill for me. If not, there are a ton of copy-cat systems on their way out. I
think this is going to be a great year for low end portable systems, which
is exactly what I want. If it has no moving parts, so much the better.

What I would really like is a usable laptop running linux that costs about
the same as a gameboy DS.

My rambling point here is take a good look at what you need, and buy just
that. The whole idea of buying for the future is nonsense. Thats just wasted
money. I swear computer makers came up with that to help move more product.
I would rather buy what I need, then when I need more, that will be cheap
too.

And hell, when it comes down to it there are a ton of cheap ways for people
to take care of their home computing needs anymore. Like for a home machine,
why not do a PS3 as a game system, dvd/blueray player, and running Linux? On
the road, a combo of a EEE for most time use and a cell phone for all time
use, and you are covered. Some one could buy all that and cover all their
computing needs for less then the stereotypical $2,000 dollar desktop PC of
a few years ago.

Jim


On 3/11/08, Sam Tetherow <tetherow at shwisp.net> wrote:
>
> On a related note, I'm in need of a new laptop and I'm trying to figure
> out what route to go...  I really only use my laptop when I travel and
> some out in the field to connect to routers and access points for
> network maintenance.  I doesn't have to be some monster with a big
> screen or a screaming processor.  As it will most be used for ssh,
> firefox and thunderbird.
>
> I thought about the eeepc, but the screen size is a bit too small for
> what I need and I would like to be able to run windows upon occassion as
> well.
>
> However, I have been thinking recently about getting a used macbook.
> I've never owned a mac before but they seem pretty popular with the tech
> crowd.  I would appreciate feedback from those who own(ed) one.  What is
> great about them, in comparison to a decent linux laptop running
> something like ubuntu or another modern distro.  Especially when I have
> to justify the cost compared to a similar non-mac laptop.
>
>
>
>         Sam Tetherow
>         Sandhills Wireless
>
>
>
>
> Craig Wolf wrote:
> > Asus Eee Pc Super Mobile Internet Device, Pearl White. 7'' Wide LCD
> display, 512mb DDR2 Memory, 4GB
> > $349 shipped free!  There are some buy.com coupons out that will take
> $50 off that price as well...think they are google checkout ones though.
> >
> > http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206208609
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> >
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-- 
Jim O'Gorman
jameso at elwood.net
http://www.elwood.net