I finally got round to installing Ubuntu 8.10 on the HP 2133. I am incredibly impressed. I had not used Ubuntu before (my previous experiences were with RedHat) and this particular OS makes the NetBook sing. I can use Skype with the videocamera, the OS has a clean interface to install supported applications, etc.The only down-side at present is that the external VGA port no longer works. I attempted a couple of hacksbut to no avail. Will try later…
I have just started using a NetBook – the HP2133 to be exact (the cheap Linux version). The 2133 is a mix of contradictions; the keyboard is sleek and professional looking – reminiscent of something that Apple might produce – but the processor is underpowered, the NetBook has an integrated microphone and camera but no way of running Skype on the default version of Linux (SUSE), it is cheap but has a crisp screen and Express Card slot.
On the whole I like the device. For my use it is near perfect. Something I can easily carry with me on the train and to meetings. The installed version of Linux will disappear. Ubuntu 8.10 will take the place of SUSE. From what I have read Ubuntu will afford me a slightly snappier and more expandable OS. I hope the transition is relatively painless.
Apple is not looking quite so good this week. The transition from .Mac to MobileMe has not worked so well. For some reason my Mac at home was updated via Software Updates but not my Mac at work. Ho hum….
Just finished reading (on my ‘phone – through the power of MobiPocket) Behemoth. The book is the last in the Rifters trilogy (quadrology?) by Peter Watts. To my mind the book pales in comparison to Starfish but is still a damn fine read.
At long last RDC2 for Mac is out. A prettier, quicker, less ugly way of connecting to Windows boxes.