It's the perfect storm. Computer manufacturers have figured out how to produce lightweight, low-end machines that cost very little just as the economy takes a big tumble. Meanwhile, software applications that once needed robust hardware to run are now moving to the cloud. The result? An explosion of netbooks, the "sub-compact" car of notebook computers, most of which don't cost too much more than the average smartphone.
When buying a netbook today, you're presented with two options for the OS: Windows XP or Linux. One of those options is less expensive than the other, and that just may be all it takes to get people to choose the Linux machine instead.
In the rest of the computing world of desktop computers and mainstream notebooks, you're typically choosing between Windows Vista or Mac OS X, but in the world of netbooks, it's Linux or XP. Those two operating systems are perfect for netbooks thanks to their lower CPU and power requirements.
For those pinching pennies (and who isn't these days? ), the Linux netbooks are even more affordable than their XP counterparts, typically falling into the $300-400 range. If you're already doing most of your computing in the cloud - that is, you use webmail, create and edit documents using a service like Google Docs or Zoho, store your photos online at a site like Flickr, and, most importantly, don't need to run a bunch of software programs on your desktop, the Linux computer is now looking more like a viable option than before - and one that saves you a bit of change too. Just look at these prices: the Acer Aspire One ($399), the HP Mini 1000 ($379), the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 ($349), and the MSI U90X ($369).
As any Linux fan will tell you, the beauty of this OS is its stability. These Linux machines don't crash, boot quickly, and are generally known to be all-around reliable computers.
However, there are still a few folks out there who are going to go with the XP option for familiarity's sake. There's comfort in knowing that your peripherals will work and that you could run Windows-only desktop software if you needed to. Although there are tons of open source alternative software programs out there, an average computer user isn't likely to know what those are or how to find them.
Those issues still stand in the way of mainstream adoption, and have led some buyers to return their PCs to the manufacturers. An MSI executive, Andy Tung, recently reported on the high return rate of the Linux machines, saying: "Our internal research has shown that the return of netbooks is higher than regular notebooks, but the main cause of that is Linux. People would love to pay $299 or $399 but they don't know what they get until they open the box. They start playing around with Linux and start realizing that it's not what they are used to. They don't want to spend time to learn it so they bring it back to the store. The return rate is at least four times higher for Linux netbooks than Windows XP netbooks."
The Linux PCs may also end up getting a run for their money when Windows 7 is released to the wild as that OS is netbook-ready and easy on the CPU, memory, and battery use, according to the news coming out of this year's PDC.
That being said, this move to netbook computing is offering Linux a foot in the door of mainstream computing in a way that may have never been possible before. Without the economic crisis to factor in to people's spending decisions, people probably wouldn't have considered the Linux option as strongly as they're doing today. When every dollar saved counts, the decision to go Linux may be more about cost savings than anything else, but that might be what it takes to get people to try the OS computer geeks have been raving about for years.
Are you going to buy a Linux or XP netbook? If so, tell us which ones you like and what's factoring into your decision.
Comments
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Small error:
"software applications that once needed robust software to run are now moving to the cloud"
robust hardware* (I'm assuming)
Posted by: Mike | November 3, 2008 8:12 AM
I would bring to anyone responding with "I can't use Linux, all the apps I need for work are XP..."
http://www.winehq.org/site/wine_features
Between all the browser agnostic web based apps and Wine, there's no excuse.
Posted by: Todd | November 3, 2008 8:28 AM
Um here's one reason they don't crash
Posted by: Victor
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November 3, 2008 8:54 AM
@Mike lol, thanks, fixed :)
Posted by: Sarah Perez
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November 3, 2008 9:03 AM
@Victor: Yep, I said that too - "As any Linux fan will tell you, the beauty of this OS is its stability. These Linux machines don't crash, boot quickly, and are generally known to be all-around reliable computers."
Posted by: Sarah Perez
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November 3, 2008 9:04 AM
yo todd u freetard... how about photoshop cs3? opps, no go! Visual Studio, nope... flash "Very bad to work over long time"... ms project, yep, more of the same... go back to your cave, tard
Posted by: siftee | November 3, 2008 9:13 AM
victor you tool... all computers crash... http://www.miguelcarrasco.net/miguelcarrasco/2006/10/linux_crash_top.html, u wally!
Posted by: siftee | November 3, 2008 9:25 AM
Windows is a hundred times less stable and not to mention completely insecure and vulnerable - and I'll even throw inflexible in there (you can have a linux machine up and running with fully configured services like SSH, Apache, MySQL in a flash). I just read about a bank account / credit card trojan that has been active and undetected in Windows since 2006. The absolute worst thing about Windows is that with a normal user behind it for 6-12 months, the machine starts to come to a halt because it's loaded with ridiculous software, spyware, malware, etc. It's great for computer companies because 99% of these idiots think their computer is outdated once that happens.
There is one app (photoshop) that keeps me with an accessible XP installation. The absolute best solution is Virtual Box with a (borrowed) XP disc image courtesy of some generous seeders.
@Sarah - hey no problem.
Posted by: Mike | November 3, 2008 9:38 AM
Many websites do not work properly or at all with Linux/Firefox. This is not the fault of the Linux or Firefox developers, but rather the fault of the website owners. Users, however, probably assign blame to the operating system.
Examples of websites that currently do not work with Linux: Bank of America (doesn't accept logins), Playhouse Disney (none of the flash content works), ESPN (formatting problems).
Until the market share of Linux is large enough, website developers will ignore these problems. Mainstream users will shun Linux until all web content works the same.
Posted by: David | November 3, 2008 10:02 AM
Hopefully this trend will help to usher in one of two results: Either Linux will become mainstream enough to support whatever random USB peripheral you throw at it (without recompiling the kernel), or Windows 7 will deliver on the ability to scale down to devices like these. Either result would be great.
Although, by the time either occurs, I gather the hardware will have advanced to the point that the scaling down will no longer be necessary. As we've seen over the past 10 years, hardware advances much faster than software does.
Posted by: Matt W | November 3, 2008 10:03 AM
@siftee
I am unaware of any netbook with the CPU horsepower and disk storage space for you to do use CS3 all day on, so your point is kinda moot.
Netbooks do not replace whatever gigantic desktop PC you are chained to work in Photoshop on, the same way you won't see netbooks replace those giant mixing boards in televisions studios.
RTFA
Posted by: Todd | November 3, 2008 10:36 AM
Hi, I'm about to buy an Eee with Linux. I think one more reason to be considered rarely is the potability of really expensive things.
A notebook can be quite lightweight, but if it's really expensive, You don't want to carry it to places were it can be stolen or damaged. But if it's cheap and can be replaced easily, one can take it really everywhere without worrying of being stolen. From this point of view, every penny of the price tag decreases the mobility. That is, for me, Linux is the obvious choice.
An other thing to consider that I think netbooks aren't capable of doing "serious" work that lasts for 8 or more hours a day, and thus don't need those specialized that usually are Windows-only. So It's quite arguable to have a work-computer with Windows and a portable one for small tasks.
Posted by: kgyst.myopenid.com
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November 3, 2008 10:49 AM
If you buy a Linux operated computer, who will support it? And like the Mac where the advantage with Windows was a variety of software, how available is the software for Linux?
Posted by: spacecowboy | November 3, 2008 10:54 AM
Website that don't work with Firefox/Linux probably don't work with Macs/Safari either, so I don't think that theory holds water - Mac sales have been rising nicely.
I'm not convinced people are buying these as a cheap alternative to a full laptop, but as a cheap additional laptop - certainly if you have kids at college it's a safer alternative. I think they're opening up a new market.
(Just as home wifi and mid-range laptops changed most homes into 2 computer households, netbooks are about everyone having a computer/the internet, like 'everyone' has a TV).
And sadly for R/W/W I don't think web apps are a big reason for people going with Netbooks.
Posted by: JulesLt | November 3, 2008 10:55 AM
Don't forget that Android bases upon Linux as well. Mobile interface with Android will give Linux an extra kick
Posted by: Claudia Sommer | November 3, 2008 11:08 AM
@David: Bank of America works perfectly in Firefox/Linux
Posted by: Mike | November 3, 2008 11:13 AM
I'm waiting patiently for a uPhone (Ubuntu).
Posted by: Mike | November 3, 2008 11:15 AM
Once Adobe puts out the Creative Suite for Linux, then I'd consider switching.
Posted by: Erica McGillivray | November 3, 2008 11:49 AM
Two commentors mentioned Adobe Photoshop on here.
If you intend to run Photoshop on a device with with only around 1Ghz of processing power, 512MB of RAM (a Gig max in most cases) and a 7-9" screen, you're going to be terribly disappointed.
That might be a valid reason to not use Linux on a nicer computer but an absolutely silly one on a netbook. These simply aren't made for applications like Photoshop and no professional I know would use one for any serious work with Photoshop.
Also, netbooks aside, just in case you didn't know, Photoshop CS2 runs fantastically in Linux through the WINE project and CS3 is on its way there. This is largely thanks to great work done by CodeWeavers and a lot of funding from Google. I know that's not viable solution for many but still very useful for many others.
Posted by: Broderick | November 3, 2008 12:23 PM
The main premises of this article are all wet. Small, cheap laptops, known as 'netbooks' among many other names, are a 'tweener' retail category that is all the rage among tech journalists now. The mainstream tech press needs something to write about and this fills the void for now.
While these gadgets are selling briskly in underdeveloped countries around the world, their retail marketplace in the U.S. and Europe will be short-lived, on the order of a few years. These are tech toys for well-heeled geeks.
One premise of 'netbooks' is the something-for-nothing approach. They supposedly offer everything a person needs for a decent computing experience at a low price. But, in practice, with small screens and keyboards and short-battery life, most people who are working don't want to use such devices. And when you start loading these netbooks up with larger batteries and screens, their prices and their weights go up as well.
And Linux as an operating system has no great future in America, despite what the 'Nix crowd tells you. It is a non-starter for anyone trying to get real work done on their computer. The specialized software that so many businesses run simply doesn't run on Linux, and there is pressing demand to make any of it 'Nix accessible either.
To recap: netbooks are the faddish tech toys of the moment, and Linux is not a operating system with any future on the American and European consumer desktops in any sort of numbers worth talking about. Get an Apple or Windows PC, and forget about this junk.
Posted by: RobL777 | November 3, 2008 12:26 PM
thanks.
Posted by: söve
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November 3, 2008 12:59 PM
@spacecowboy who wrote: "If you buy a Linux operated computer, who will support it? And like the Mac where the advantage with Windows was a variety of software, how available is the software for Linux?"
You can buy commercial support but really I've found that when it comes to support I have never called the Microsoft themselves but instead I relied on techy friends or co-workers to help me. So you could try asking around. There are also regional LUGs (Linux User Groups) with mailing lists for questions like this, and online forums, etc.
Linux software is numerous and is typically easier to install than Windows or Mac because of a different philosophy of software management. Try browsing a site like http://www.gnomefiles.org/ to get a feel for the amount of software available for Linux, and then use software like Synaptic to install it.
I reckon the main areas that Linux is still lacking are in Game support, in high-end desktop apps, and of course with inhouse Windows-only apps.
Dell, IBM, and Sun say that everything they make is supported by Linux now: http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/10/how-linux-supports-more-device.html
Posted by: Matthew Holloway | November 3, 2008 3:48 PM
I got my wife a Dell Mini 9 with Ubuntu. It has the most Mac-like experience that I have seen outside of Mac OS X. While she was using her Mac, she switched to NeoOffice, since it behaved better than Office 2004 with the UTC characters she needs. Since Google Docs, NeoOffice, and OpenOffice all speak ODT, she works fluidly between the laptop and the Mac. The machine, with 2y maint. and custom bag, came to less than the base price of some bottom-end 15 inch laptops. The size means that she can slide its bag into her book bag, rather than carry around a separate large laptop bag. Best of all, it just works. No hiccups, no crashes.
Satisfied (so far ;),
Adam
Posted by: Adam Keck | November 3, 2008 7:54 PM
I cannot judge whether next operated computer would be Linux ,because I have not used Linux that well ,I like Windows XP SP2 because I am addicted to Windows XP SP2.I am also not familiar what software programs used in Linux as in Windows.We criticize Microsoft,and we Accept Microsoft is it not .
Posted by: venkat | November 3, 2008 8:25 PM
I have been working and developing on linux platform for quite long. Few years ago, it was quite frustrating not to have all the update or feature of some applications on linux, Now I think it is much better.
Posted by: Ninja | November 3, 2008 11:47 PM
Netbooks are toys
Not really sure why someone hasn't come out with an affordable (not Dell) and easy to use pre-configured and working Ubuntu install on a regular laptop.
As Ubuntu is the most fantastic OS, but is basically worthless unless you have a CS jockey to tinker it for you.
it is a major pain point in the market.
Posted by: Neyma Jahansooz | November 4, 2008 1:46 AM
I'm building my own carPC with an Atom CPU and a 9" touchscreen, and will install Ubuntu Mobile 8.10 on it. All I need is Firefox to run, so I can look at live traffic/navigation websites, while listening to my MP3 collection.
Having used all windows versions since 3.11 side by side with Solaris and Linux, I can honestly say Linux is more userfriendly than Windows. Nothing annoys me more than an unresizable 300x200 pixel Windows popup with in it long and wide text (on my 24" monitor. In Linux all these popups are resizable to display the contents without scrolling, yet in Windows not and they are sized to fit on a PDA.
Posted by: Cas Tuyn | November 4, 2008 4:20 AM
The use of Linux or Windows or whatever is not the direct issue. The direct issue for these products is whether they run the functional software that the user wants and needs. If the user is happy with Gmail and Calendar for their communication and can access almost everything they want to with the Firefox (or similar) browser then everything is peachy. If the user wants the netbook to access Outlook (admittedly the more Enterprise sort of use) then Windows is going to be pretty much the only thing to do it.
Performance (with the Atom processor) is pretty much resolved, it is now battery life and portability which will make the difference. 3G will be an important add to all of these devices, as this breaks the ties to Public WiFi Hotspots which outside of specific locations is pretty poor in coverage. 3G is the only way to provide the pervasive access that such a portable device craves.
Oh, I agree with many above - all OS's crash when you put them under the strain of running normal applications, and I have found both Linux and Windows to be much the same having had a major (read complete reinstall) failure on both.
Posted by: Ian Nock | November 4, 2008 4:49 AM
very good post http://getfreefiles.blogspot.com
Posted by: getfreefiles | November 4, 2008 6:40 AM
My next computer is going to be a Pandora. All the functions of a netbook, plus a gaming interface.
http://openpandora.org
Posted by: Daniel | November 4, 2008 6:41 AM
very interesting.
Scan your PC for free
Posted by: tigran
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November 4, 2008 6:50 AM
Thing is, as long as you can get some type of encryption going with wifi, a good vpn solution, it doesn't matter WHAT os you run if you set it up right.
Just use rdesktop/mstsc to that powerhouse at work or at home. It's not "cloud" computing, it's remote access, and if you lose it... no data on it anyway.
Posted by: shadowspawn | November 4, 2008 6:53 AM
well - I installed Ubuntu last night on my friends computer. The machine was so slow, even thou it was a 2 ghz intel C Mobile and had 2 GB of ram. With Ubuntu Ibex and Avant Window Manager - everything went smooth. Especially since it was a Dell laptop. The speed bump must have been at least 3 times higher than running XP with slow anti virus software.
Posted by: mika sjöman | November 4, 2008 6:55 AM
I switched to Linux three weeeks ago and LOVE it. Wish I would have done so YEARS ago!.
JIff
www.anolite.echoz.com
Posted by: JamesDean | November 4, 2008 7:03 AM
I just purchased 2 Acer Aspire Ones120Gb hdd ver from PCworld ,Awsome !!
One the Limited Linux OS was removed and a Full Linux distro was installed what more could i ask for,kicks XP in every way.OSX runs very nice on these also ;P
Posted by: hagisbasheruk | November 4, 2008 7:10 AM
I work at a large computer retail chain in the UK and I have to tell you, customers struggle like hell running these things. They may be attracted by the price, but the average customer has no clue about linux and the minute they start using it, they start getting stuck and start regretting there purchase. The amount of customers coming back and wanting to return there linux based ones for Windows ones is huge!
Posted by: Smarky | November 4, 2008 7:11 AM
Recently got a Linux netbook (Acer Aspire One) and am happy with it in all respects but one: installing new software can be a nightmare because of the many different Linux distributions, unique tweaks by the manufacturers, and lack of documentation to address these issues. Linux will not take over many platforms until software installation becomes as straightforward as it is on Windows and Mac platforms.
Posted by: chip | November 4, 2008 7:15 AM
As of today (11/4/2008) MSI website doesn't list any model with a Linux option.
Posted by: Dale | November 4, 2008 7:19 AM
I know people that own netbooks and some that use linux w Ubuntu. Big props to Ubuntu teams pushing Ubuntu Hardy, Ibex. More people are coming to an understanding linux and related customized distros are going to be the future.
Posted by: AR | November 4, 2008 7:30 AM
On my EEE 901 XP, I have an 8GB SD card with Ubuntu-EEE on it. It's not an either/or - the ASUS EEE can run both :) - I just choose which OS to boot when I power up ...
*dons flame-proof trousers*
Posted by: stewbagz | November 4, 2008 7:38 AM
these netbooks are in no way intended to provide a replacement for any other computer. they are small, portable, inexpensive, computers. they are intended to provide basic internet usage and document editing. and Linux does that perfectly. but the intention is for you to have an actual computer at home to perform full sized tasks. my only gripe is i want one that has a decent amount of storage. so that i can store pictures take during a vacation on it and watch a full length movie on it.
Posted by: supergeek | November 4, 2008 7:41 AM
Pah, maybe linux, maybe mac, all the while PC wins.
Posted by: TV GUide | November 4, 2008 7:44 AM
@chip:
Tried PCLinuxOS or Knoppix? Use MiniMe2008. Dont jump around trying anything else. Just use MiniMe2008 or TinyMe2008. Or get the Knoppix Live CD.
One of those will work - no two ways.
Support is great, those things work out of the box, and don't ask you to upgrade every six months.
If anything is the problem, just go to http://www.mibbit.com and join IRC chat on the freenode.net server - #linux is the chat room.
Any more problems, we're sitting there 24x7 to help you out with any Linux flavor you want. We don't charge a penny and we don't speak on behalf of any corporations. And we're there 24x7. That's Linux support for you. If you ask for help, we can help. If you sit complaining *here*, we cannot hear you over at IRC. Please join IRC chat.
Use mibbit.com as the interface because you must not join IRC logged in as root so that should keep you a bit safer.
Have a nice time with your Linux netbook :-)
Posted by: superchip | November 4, 2008 7:53 AM
A few points:
@Chip: Installing software on a Linux system is actually a lot easier than on a Windows system. The Package Manager allows you to browse through software at your leisure, and install what you want. You can then uninstall any software just as easily. With Windows, it's the software that handles the process, and usually results in a cluttered registry. With Linux, it's the OS that handles it, and is very smooth.
@RobL777: Linux has a great future ahead of it. It is cheaper than a Windows base (free vs a series of licenses), way cheaper than a MAC user base (licenses AND an expensive base of systems), and will run on lower end machines. It is more stable and has greater security. Will it takeover the market? I highly doubt it, people are too entrenched in the Windows/Mac mindset. But Linux has the vast majority of software that either of the 2 big boys do, and can be easily customized for anyone's needs, which is a big plus.
I see the netbook market as being much more than a fad. A lot of people don't need heavy duty computing on the go. Email, web surfing and document editing is often all that's required. The convenience of a low cost, and highly portable system is exactly what they need. And if we see these systems start using ARM processors instead of x86 ones, we'll actually start to see highly respectable battery lives out of these machines.
Ubuntu has helped really put Linux on the map, but remember, there are a ton of other quality distros out there, each one perfectly customizable to a user's specific needs. This is not the case with either Windows or OSX. There you get what they give you. With Linux, you get what you want.
Posted by: jellmoo | November 4, 2008 7:53 AM
Linux pc:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=763vmCrRBDg
Posted by: Uoot | November 4, 2008 7:58 AM
I find it unacceptable that this article consistently crashes browsers -- both the current Seamonkey and the current Firefox (I'm writing this from Konqueror).
Clean up your act, damn it!!!!!
Carlie J. Coats, Jr., Ph.D.
Chief Software Architect
Baron Advanced Meteorological Systems, LLC.
Posted by: Carlie Coats | November 4, 2008 8:06 AM
Linux user on my desktop and my eeepc. My last several employers were also linux shops for both servers and desktops. To say (as many have here) that linux doesn't have the apps is insane. It lacks software for designers, true, but it has everything you need to do anything other than design or film work. As a programmer, linux is a natural fit for me... having tools that make my life so much easier.
The install process is either far, far easier than with windows, or in the odd case, a bit harder. If the app is in the repository, you just check the box next to it in synaptic or some other package manager and you have the app working on your machine in a couple of minutes. If you have to an install it can be tricky, but not if it is a well designed install from a .deb or .rpm (depending on the linux flavour you are using).
Posted by: Traverse Davies | November 4, 2008 8:11 AM
i recently purchased an eee pc 1000 and i can understand why it would be returned. the default os is horrible. if asus would just pre-load it with ubuntu already, i'm sure we would be seeing a lot fewer returns.
Posted by: nuts | November 4, 2008 8:13 AM
I just bought a MSI Wind to my 6 years daughter. It was loaded with XP. I just got rid of it and placed Ubuntu. I won't trust a windows machine to a kid. It's just too risky. With Ubuntu i know i can more relaxed and i can tweak all i want to provide a safe, fun and reliable environment for her.
Posted by: Paulo Pereira | November 4, 2008 8:22 AM
Recently I bought new Acer Aspire One with Linux for $299 CA(about $250US). For most of work I'm doing on that netbook - Internet browsing, documents editing, photos and music Linux doing just fine without any time spend for learning. I was considering Linux for my desktop computer when after upgrade my old XP limited me to use 3GB out of 8GB RAM. But learning factor got over and I end up with Vista x64. But netbooks are different story and I believe Linux is perfect OS for it.
Posted by: Sergei | November 4, 2008 8:25 AM
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