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Lindows Releases Inexpensive Subnotebook

Posted by michael on from the install-debian-promptly dept.

los furtive writes "As of March 1st $799 will get you this Lindows 2.9lb subnotebook with a VIA C3 933MHz Processor, 256 megs ram and a 20 gig HD, a 12inch screen, USB 2.0, firewire and of course the Lindows OS. Pre-orders have already started."

9 of 547 comments (clear)

  1. I'd still rather have an iBook by Shinzaburo · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Given that you can find iBooks for just a bit more (around $999), I think I'd rather have the Aqua interface.

    1. Re:I'd still rather have an iBook by g4dget · · Score: 4, Interesting
      For one it wouldn't be slower, the VIA C3 is best about 2/3 the performance of a celeron at the same clock rate. So given that Macs tend to perform better than comparable clock speeds, the Mac will typically outperform it.

      I have an 800MHz C3 and a 600 MHz iMac (not too different from a 933MHz C3 vs. a 700MHz iBook): the C3 is indeed slower than the iMac in terms of raw CPU performance, but the GUI and applications actually run faster on the C3. Keep in mind that systems X11 were originally developed for machines like 8MHz 68k systems with a few megabytes of RAM. OSX, on the other hand, is really pushing the envelope in terms of system requirements.

  2. Graphics chipsets by jmertic · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Any idea what graphics chipset these use? The specs left that out ( usually means it's a bad one ).

  3. Re:Yet for $699... by dartboard · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The Dell Inspiron you quote is 6.8lbs -- roughly 2.5 times the size of the Lindows PC. I'd say that's a significant difference, wouldn't you?

  4. Their comparison chart sucks by binaryDigit · · Score: 4, Interesting

    They totally botched the iBook entry in their little comparison chart. They are comparing to the PowerBook not the iBook. You can get a 700mhz iBook for $999, much better comparison. Makes you wonder about their other choices.

  5. OT: mini-itx by NorthDude · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Have you considered installing a mini-itx board?
    They are VERY small board with every thing integrated onto it.
    They are made by VIA and are actually quite cheap!

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  6. $699 a bargain for a Linux notebook by IGnatius+T+Foobar · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Wasn't it just a few days ago that someone on "Ask Slashdot" was looking for a value-priced notebook whose purchase price did not include the Microsoft tax?

    This really is a breakthrough, despite it being LindowsOS. This is, perhaps, the first time you can buy a truly Linux-preloaded notebook, as opposed to some of those other "boutique" shops where a Linux machine costs 50-100% more than the same machine loaded with Windows from a first-tier vendor (usually because they simply bought the machine from one of those first-tier vendors and then threw away the Windows license).

    But as usual, Slashdotters will find something to complain about. I'm not complaining. As enamoured as I am with my ThinkPad (which I bought used), if I were in the market for a notebook computer right now, I'd give this one some serious consideration.

    This is the first time in history that a notebook vendor isn't charging you more for a computer with an operating system that costs less. Even if the very first thing you do is erase LindowsOS and install RedHat, this is still a significant milestone.

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  7. Re:So the reason this was posted was.... by los+furtive · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Uhm......no.

    I'm just a regular Java developing shmoe located in frigid Canada, who first saw this article on The Register and since Slashdot is USA-centric, not to mention very supportive of anything to do with Linux for the people, I figured it was worth submitting since a lot of people might have missed it and would be very interested. I do not have anything to gain from this, and have no vested interest in either Slashdot, Lindows, Via or any other company mentioned in the post.

    I hope this little reply helps shed some light on things, and my I suggest in the future that you take the time to write a proper link?

    Oh, and for the record, while I agree an iBook would be close to the same thing, with better brand name recognition...it still costs $200 more, and weighs more too (I could be wrong on this one). Another reason why I submitted this story was that only 3 weeks ago I purchases a Toshiba Portege 4000, which cost about twice the price for similar features, and weighs a pound more! I was hoping somebody might see this and save a buck...although I must admit I'm very satisfied with my Portege.

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  8. Re:Kinda expensive by puck01 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Considering this deal to be had at dell right now. I'd have to agree. # Celeron 1.6GHz, 256MB RAM, 20GB HD for $595.

    puck