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best netbook for the esl classroom?
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Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject:

MikeySaid wrote:

Mikeysaid,

So you push for a six cell with ssd? My plan was to buy with a hdd because of capacity but you say the speed and battery life make up for the lack of size?

How do you use yours as a teacher?

Mikeysaid,
SSD are more energy efficient and faster than HDD. Also, the price is dropping while drive space is increasing.
I believe Solid State will be the future, either that or some hybrid or running both.

How do I use mine?
I don't have one yet, I am still in research mode. I spend 2-3 months researching something before I commit, and I watch for new tech advances which can cause some products to drop drastically in price.

I can answer the question as to how I would spec mine for use:
First, Linux based. Something this small with a solid state running windows would be a pain in the rear.
I would get an 8 GB SSD and use an external HDD for storage using eSATA for fast transfers.
I am not buying an external DVD/CD player because I can use a USB flash for all software, music and video transfers.
Sorry, leaving early to get my car registered so I am ending this post now.
I hope my input is helping you.

gaijinalways

Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 2:42 am Post subject:

Mexicobound said

Quote:

First, Linux based. Something this small with a solid state running windows would be a pain in the rear.

My first question would be, how easy is it to get someone to work on a Linux system if the OS is down?

Mexicobound said

Quote:

I am not buying an external DVD/CD player because I can use a USB flash for all software, music and video transfers.

You can do that, but then again how much do you plan to do on a netbook?

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 2:52 pm Post subject:

gaijinalways wrote:

Mexicobound said

Quote:

First, Linux based. Something this small with a solid state running windows would be a pain in the rear.

My first question would be, how easy is it to get someone to work on a Linux system if the OS is down?

Mexicobound said

Quote:

I am not buying an external DVD/CD player because I can use a USB flash for all software, music and video transfers.

You can do that, but then again how much do you plan to do on a netbook?

It's an OS just like Windows XP or Vista. There is not really much to work on. If your afraid it will crash, back up all your files on an external HDD or DVD and always have a boot-disk handy. Much like you would run your computer with another OS.

How much do I plan to do?
Pretty much anything I want to do on my home desktop except run my digital recording studio (I wouldn't even want to try that) or watch Netflix movies, because Netflix hasn't released a Linux patch (yet).

I would use it much like a use my setup at school now.
I run my classroom desktop into an EIKI projector, which is connected to a VTEL document viewer and a DVD/VCR player.
The possibilities are endless with this configuration.
The document viewer works with projecting "bell ringers", "2 minute drills"
and the students papers for editing.
The EIKI makes projecting movies and web pages easy. I can put up poems, music lyrics, speeches, etc and then have the audio playing along.
I use "discovery ed" (online program from Discovery channel for education) which is a great resource for all things English.
Also, I get lots of ideas to add to my lesson plans from the internet;
like they say, great teachers learn how to "take from others."

MrMrLuckyKhan

Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 282
Location: Kingdom of Cambodia

Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 4:13 am Post subject:

Just wanted to say, I just bought the Asus EEE pc 1000HE and love it!! Its so great my mum has used it and just bought herself one! I bought it because Ive been lugging around a fullsize notebook halfway around the world and it just wasnt working out. This this is great!!!

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject:

MrMrLuckyKhan wrote:

Just wanted to say, I just bought the Asus EEE pc 1000HE and love it!! Its so great my mum has used it and just bought herself one! I bought it because Ive been lugging around a fullsize notebook halfway around the world and it just wasnt working out. This this is great!!!

Hi, I am curious about a few things.

What are the specs on your system?
(Processor type/size, RAM, HDD size, Operating system, etc.)
What size screen did you get?
*are you opting for smaller text or scrolling when it comes to web page viewing?
How much did you pay for your system (total w/taxes and/or shipping)?
Where did you buy?

gaijinalways

Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

repeated

Quote:

My first question would be, how easy is it to get someone to work on a Linux system if the OS is down?

mexciobound posted

Quote:

I guess my question wasn't clear enough. I am not a very technical person, we've had engineers here to fix related Windows problems off and on. I am just wondering how easy it would be to get a Linx tech in Japan. The majority of my systems have been running in Japanese, not a language I could work in on a computer. To be honest, even if it was in English, the kinds of problems we've had would have been far beyond my limited PC troubleshooting capabilities.

I know there is a Linx group in Japan, but it's not the sort of OS I see advertised as techs/engineers often working on here (where you are, wouldn't have a clue, but I would guess it might be similar).

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject:

gaijinalways wrote:

repeated

Quote:

My first question would be, how easy is it to get someone to work on a Linux system if the OS is down?

mexciobound posted

Quote:

First, I am in the great state of Texas.

(this got long and windy, sorry)

OK, OK, I understand what you are asking now.
You don't need a tech when running Ubuntu or other Linux distribution.

Here is the reality.
Windows is a crappy operating system(OS), that is why you need a tech. to work on them.

You don't need a tech for Linux operating systems because they are not problematic, like all Microsoft OS's.

A quick and simple OS explanation.
Mircosoft Windows, Apple OS X, and any Linux distribution (Ubuntu,Debian,Fedora,etc) are all called GUI. Graphic User Interface.
In simple terms, the desktop, the "windows" and software programs you run that make computing easy. (or mind-numbing)

Windows has a "buggy" GUI. It is constantly broken and released with problems in the OS.(therefore, you will always need a tech, not so with a Linux OS)

Remember the "blue screen of death"?
... I am sure we all remember the blue screen of death.
Well, Win2000 was buggy too.
Then Microsoft brought out XP, not so buggy but virus prone as hell.
That is because Microsoft released the OS with bugs not fixed. (problems in the OS)
*Microsoft does this because they want you to keep buying: a new OS, more software, virus protectioon, spam protection, trojan protection, MSOffice(a rip off, get the free version called OpenOffice, which is included with the new Ubuntu OS)

You don't need a tech for Apple and Linux systems, why?
Apple created a stable GUI that is not bugged and doesn't get viruses or "get hacked". (that is right, the conflicker and other "worms" or "trojans" won't infect Apple systems and fire walled Linux systems)

Problem: Apple computers are expensive.

Solution: Linux OS distributions are usually created and distributed as "freeware", free to use. Also called "open sourced", free to use and can be user modified.
Also, they are created by techies or computer geeks to be user friendly.
No bugs and no problems with the GUI either.
You might want to get a firewall for your Linux distribution for protection.

I use Ubuntu distribution, so does my friend in Houston who recently had his Windows XP crash. He didn't want to buy another Microsoft product and runs nothing but Ubuntu on his system, the only issue he has is not having his Itunes.

Good news, all the software for Ubuntu is free and easy to get. (there is a drop-down window on your desktop toolbar to search for new applications and software) You will never have to search the internet for software or go to your local box store to buy software or updates.

Plus, the Ubuntu desktop is so much more fun to play with.

Here is a link to the Ubuntu website, it is very "non-tech" friendly.
This is to the "What is Ubuntu?" page, click on "more about desktop edition" at the bottom of the page to see more about the OS.

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu

and here is a link to the download page:

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

click the green, "Begin download" button. Save to desktop.
When you are done dl'ing the program, put a blank CD in your burner and rip a copy of the image. (It is ready to be burned, just burn it as an ISO file) I can give you a step by step with free dl'ing software if you need.

To try it free without changing your computer:

Once the disk is burned, leave it in the CD tray and restart your system.
A new screen will appear and you have options to pick from.
Select "Boot Ubuntu from CD with no changes to the system"
This gives you the option to try the OS out without changing the system.

If you want to install it on your system, I can help you with that when the time comes.

By the way, Ubuntu is an African phrase meaning "humanity towards others"; I like it.

* A wee bit of computer history for you:
Bill Gates was involved in the first "geek meetings". Back in the mid to late 70's, computer geeks in California got together monthly to talk about computers.
They all wanted to share ideas and make something that was open sourced, free to share and use for everyone.

Bill Gates got what he needed from these other guys and said "'F' you "free computing to the world" chumps, I know something about marketing and think I can make a pretty penny off this stuff."
We all know how the story goes from there.

MrMrLuckyKhan

Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 282
Location: Kingdom of Cambodia

Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:40 am Post subject:

Mexicobound wrote:

I'm not super computer savy, but here it goes...

1.7 ghz Atom processor

1gb ram (which i just payed $20 to upgrade it to 2gb ram, and it was

super easy to install myself and DOESNT void the warranty like some other models have u do by breaking any stickers or anything)

HDD is 160GB, which is larger than my last notebook

comes with XP

10 inch screen

3 usb ports

bluetooth and about 3 different kinds of wifi

built-in webcam (for the fam)

battery boasts 9.5 hours, and i can vouch for watching over 3 movies on it without recharging and web surfing on top of that

SDHC card reader built in

I bought it from compusa.com for $402 total with shipping to Virginia. I also have a 400gb external harddrive for all my media and stuff. it does NOT have a dvd/cd drive of any kind in it. I rarely used it on my last one, BUT i did go ahead and spend another $90 from compusa.com or newegg.com for a slim little external dvd burner that burns EVERYTHING including double layer dvds. Its still much smaller carrying both then my old laptop ever was. Also, now if i dont need my dvd drive I can just run out with just the netbook. Oh, and i prefer to look at smaller texts as opposed to scrolling, BUT this also has features on the touch pad Ive never seen. To scroll up and down u just put TWO fingers on the pad and slide them up and down anywhere. To zoom in or zoom out, you put TWO fingers on the touch pad and move your fingers together or apart and it zooms in or out!!! Ill try to post an informative link>>>

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220504

gaijinalways

Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject:

mexicobound posted

Quote:

You don't need a tech for Apple and Linux systems, why?
Apple created a stable GUI that is not bugged and doesn't get viruses or "get hacked". (that is right, the conflicker and other "worms" or "trojans" won't infect Apple systems and fire walled Linux systems)

First both Linux and Apple do have viruses and worm attacks, but it's harder to gauge the numbers as there are;

far less users of both those OSes
and thus far less malware type of programs written for them (a lot of these programs are used to send spam, in some cases ask for money to restore your system, or just create havoc and the crackers are often business people, so they're looking for raw numbers)

My impression of other Linux users is that those systems (including Red Hat) are more apt for programmers and people who want to customize their operating systems to use.

As to free Office program subsitutes, in theory, maybe great. As to compatibility with other users who aren't using them, sorry, doesn't quite work until a lot of other people start adopting them.

Sorry, it sounds like you don't know people who work on Linux. I do know a few people, but again, these kind of techs that work on it are more advanced programmer types. Maybe your friend is a second waver and you didn't know it. Or is just simply riding along and hoping for the best....

PS1 And yes I agree, Windows, in my opinion, is a necessary evil at best. Then again, remember, it's made to run on many different types of computers and periephals, whereas Apples work with....only Apple. Lots of choice there... Rolling Eyes

PS2 sorry, I should have realized you hadn't made it to Mexico yet, perhaps you'll be enroute soon?

DoubleDutch

Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Location: China

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:39 am Post subject:

gaijinalways wrote:

First both Linux and Apple do have viruses and worm attacks, but it's harder to gauge the numbers as there are far less users of both those OSes
and thus far less malware type of programs written for them

In my 7 years of intensive Linux usage and being in contact with many other users, I have never ever seen or heard about an actual virus, worm or other malware infecting a Linux system. I do hear they exist, but apparently are very very rare.

That said, a greater danger is people breaking into a system by exploiting bugs in running services. So it is always advised to run a firewall and keep software up to date. (The same danger exists on all OSes, but Microsoft is known to sometimes not patch known exploits for weeks.)

Quote:

My impression of other Linux users is that those systems (including Red Hat) are more apt for programmers and people who want to customize their operating systems to use.

Linux does attract its fair share of programmers and tinkerers, because if its open source nature and wide range of choice in many areas. But in the last few years especially, several distros (Linux distributions) have been stressing the point of ease of use. First and foremost of these is Ubuntu. I would even go so far to say that for a beginner it is in many cases even easier to work with than Windows.

Quote:

As to free Office program subsitutes, in theory, maybe great. As to compatibility with other users who aren't using them, sorry, doesn't quite work until a lot of other people start adopting them.

OpenOffice.org has very good compatibility with MS Office documents, so in most cases (given that the majority of documents are fairly straightforward) there is no problem.

Quote:

PS1 And yes I agree, Windows, in my opinion, is a necessary evil at best. Then again, remember, it's made to run on many different types of computers and periephals, whereas Apples work with....only Apple. Lots of choice there... Rolling Eyes

Linux runs on more types of computers than Windows does, as well as on Apple's older PowerPC platform. Peripherals can be a problem though, as many hardware makers still can't be bothered with supporting Linux, although this is changing.

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:21 am Post subject:

gaijinalways wrote:

PS2 sorry, I should have realized you hadn't made it to Mexico yet, perhaps you'll be enroute soon?

Yes, hence the name Mexicobound; to be bound for somewhere means you will be going to that place.

First, you already answered why people don't hack Apple and Linux systems. Why? Because not many people use them.
Think about that...If you were a hacker trying to corrupt as many systems as possible would you write script for a virus that infects 10% of the computer population or 90% of the computer population?
That is just another reason not to use Windows.

I know 3 people who work on Linux. I am one of them. I am my own tech.
The OS is open sourced, therefore it can be user modified. (Or did you not know that?)
You can read about Ubuntu's "Terminal"(script prompt) which enables users to write script for the OS.

FYI, I have been working on/with computers since 1983. I had my own Apple IIc when I was 12; and was writing programs on it too.

OpenOffice uses any type of file so it is compatible with other productivity software and is used daily for that purpose. Why don't you do the research before you assume something?
Here is a link:
http://www.openoffice.org/

Your assertion that Linux is only for programmers is also an assumption.
Do the research, many computer companies are offering it with their systems. Again, you were just typing without doing the research.

Here is the bottom line...you sound like you don't want to change, and I don't feel like arguing.
You stated in an earlier post that you are not computer savvy, so here is my advice to you.
Stick with Windows.

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:04 am Post subject:

MrMrLuckyKhan wrote:

Sweet set-up, very impressive for the price.
I like ASUS for their specs,

I think they are the best bang for the buck.
I am looking at the ASUS EeePC 1000 40G for $399 @ newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220368

Runs Linux on a 40 Gig Solid State Drive Shocked

. wOOt!

Besides Linux and the SSD, it is the same build you have.

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:23 am Post subject:

For those that don't know. Solid State Drives. SSD are better than the Hard Disk Drives(HDDs) that are in 99% of the computers on the market. Why? It has no moving parts. It also runs quieter and with much less energy and much less heat because there are no moving parts. But SSDs run much faster. Check out this entertaining video comparing HDD(the one in your laptop or desktop PC) and a solid state drive(SSD) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf_QS3mZsyU&feature=related Here is a video of an SSD being run over by an SUV. Try that with your HDD and you will be left with a fancy doorstop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHE5Dk4XN4U&feature=channel_page

gaijinalways

Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:40 am Post subject:

mexicobound

Quote:

Yes, hence the name Mexicobound; to be bound for somewhere means you will be going to that place.

I think that ground was already covered.

Quote:

First, you already answered why people don't hack Apple and Linux systems. Why? Because not many people use them.

But they are hacked into, just less likely to be so.

Quote:

The OS is open sourced, therefore it can be user modified. (Or did you not know that?)

I believe I mentioned that already, hence why programmer types tend to use it. When I use the term 'programmers', that's a loose definition. You may or may not make money from writing programs, but certainly you write them. I have an xtml/html book at home collecting dust; I did design a few websites using it, but I neither found pleasure nor would want to repeat the experience. In that sense, I don't consider myself a 'programming type'. Most of the people I know who use Linux here in Japan are software engineers/programmers.

Quote:

OpenOffice uses any type of file so it is compatible with other productivity software and is used daily for that purpose. Why don't you do the research before you assume something?

Oh, boy, someone took something the wrong way. If I ask my colleagues how many people use 'openoffice', I will get an astounding 2. Do you know how many colleagues I have?

Who are the users that you're speaking of?

Quote:

FYI, I have been working on/with computers since 1983. I had my own Apple IIc when I was 12; and was writing programs on it too.

You have just proven my point, that people who write programs are much more likely to use that kind of OS.

Quote:

Your assertion that Linux is only for programmers is also an assumption.
Do the research, many computer companies are offering it with their systems. Again, you were just typing without doing the research.

See the above, as I said, it's more likely to be used by such people, the programming types. Of course other people are welcome to use it, they are just much less likely to be able to get much use out of the open source code.

Quote:

Here is the bottom line...you sound like you don't want to change, and I don't feel like arguing.
You stated in an earlier post that you are not computer savvy, so here is my advice to you.
Stick with Windows.

No, I was just trying to point out gaping holes in your arguement. Personally I want to buy a mac, but my wife thinks it's too much trouble to learn to use a new OS. If you're happy using Linux, that's great. I just don't think I would point blank recommend it to everyone else.

Mexicobound

Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again

Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 4:23 am Post subject:

gaijinalways wrote:

Quote:

OpenOffice uses any type of file so it is compatible with other productivity software and is used daily for that purpose. Why don't you do the research before you assume something?

Oh, boy, someone took something the wrong way.

Quote:

I was trying to help you.
Read Double Dutch's response, I have no "holes." LMAO
To quote a great movie:
"Donny, you are out of your element."

Stop picking fights.

BTW, I use a dual boot XP and Ubuntu desktop PC.

Last edited by Mexicobound on Wed May 13, 2009 2:54 pm; edited 3 times in total

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