Netbook recommendation

[Derek Broughton]

Billie Erin Walsh wrote:

> Steve Lamb wrote:
>> Billie Erin Walsh wrote:
>>   
>>> Kılıç Köken wrote:
>>>     
>>>> I would buy something which has a preinstalled Linux on it.
>>
>>   
>>> I wouldn't base my choice _just_ on the OS. Base it on the features. The
>>> OS is easy to change but the features can be a B_____.
>>>     
>>
>>      I disagree.  Yes, keep features in mind but if you're going to buy a
>> netbook buy one with Linux preinstalled so the sale registers as a Linux
>> sale,
>> not a Windows sale.  The OS is easy to change?  Really?  10+ years of
>> trying to get Linux to be accepted by the Mainstream so I can play my
>> games on it
>> instead of Windows and no practical change yet.  During that time I've
>> gone
>> through at least as many machines.  Ergo, machines are easier to swap
>> than
>> OS.  :P
> 
> I'm afraid I will have to disagree with you.
> 
> SO, I guess you would rather buy a cruddy computer that has Linux than
> one that meets your needs but you will have to load Linux. 

I'd rather buy a machine with Linux preinstalled - despite the fact that 
I've installed Linux (and Windows for that matter) on dozens of systems.  If 
I get a machine with Linux preinstalled, there should be some kind of 
guarantee that all the hardware works.  I'll take a cheap computer with 
working hardware over one I have to spend weeks getting configured properly 
every time - and I'm pretty well always able to get the hardware working.  
It's a different matter for many users, who just give up.
-- 
derek