GREAT windows hate speech there! Shame it's got little to nothing to do with the topic at hand. If the argument was that Netbooks could be better because they Currently run windows, then you could say the same about 99% of desktops and laptops sold today.
Windows isn't the issue here, just because Microsoft is a big, evil Monopoly doesn't mean that XP isn't a decent Operating System. How is it not "usable", exactly? Many people would argue that having to constantly drop into the terminal to do anything important in Linux makes it "unusable", or that the lack of Software support for MacOS (compared to Windows) makes it "unusable" but for some reason, nobody ever makes that claim. You know why? Because Linux, MacOSX and even Windows are ALL usable operating systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. And loosing data because the battery ran out? XP uses NTFS, which may be the bane of many a Linux user, but it doesn't magically "lose" data just because of an unexpected power cut, it retains filesystem integrity. The only thing you could lose is UNSAVED data, which you're not going to be protected from on any operating system, unless the software you're using has built-in file recovery (I believe Office 2003 onwards has this). I also particularly liked your trailing comment about manufacturers having to Compromise because of Windows. Compromise how, exactly? Taking the Eee as a fine example, the Linux versions tend to have identical hardware, with the only exceptions being smaller hard drives in the Linux variant. So go on, don't just leave it there, indulge me, explain how they're compromising hardware because of Windows? I'd imagine that, because of Windows' massive marketshare and almost implied support from most manufacturers (in terms of drivers), that'd it'd be the other way around, that the Linux variants would be the ones compromising due to flaky driver support for certain hardware. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending Microsoft or Windows here or all of it's well-known flaws, I'm calling you out because your rant against it has no place here, plus your arguments would have been valid maybe 10 years ago when those issues plagued the 9x series, but 7 years ago Microsoft fixed most of them and you apparently didn't get the memo.
I never once said the Linux version wasn't easy to use, my point was that since most "n00bs" use windows and, more specifically, Windows XP, then these notebooks shouldn't prove any more difficult to use than any other computer they've been using for the last 7 years.
Except nearly every netbook on the market currently comes in WindowsXP form, so what's so different about the Usability of a netbook and a laptop/desktop (for the average joe, that is)? Why is it suddenly an issue? What were people doing before? Don't tell me people are only just migrating from desktops to portables, this isn't a new fad, the only difference is that Netbooks are a bit more feature-packed than other ultra-portable devices (like Smartphones or even laptops). By your logic, a more usable machine beats a better machine because it's easier to use. If that was true, why did we ever bother complicating our phones at all? Why not stick to the simplest of designs because they're easier to use? The iPhone looks pretty, but the only reason it's "easier to use" is because there's a lot less of it TO use. Aside from the web browsing, you're not exactly getting a great device.
There's nothing to see here. The author doesn't put forward any good points about making a good netbook, he just whines about how the current ones don't suit him as well as they could. "Do I need to play games? No" - really? Maybe I do. Maybe I don't necessarily want Crysis running on it, but I wouldn't mind the odd blast at COD4, which the Asus N10 actually runs fairly well. "Do I need to decode 720p/1080p? No" Good for you! I actually quite like my Hi-def entertainment and considering some of these have a HDMI output, I can honestly say I'd love to be able to bring one over to my friend's house, plug it into his TV and watch some Hi-Def porn. Sure, it's not what the thing is really intended for, but if it's possible to add such a feature, give me the option for it.
I think the article proves that what we need is simply more customisation. Currently, you have to shop around for the pre-configured models that asus, MSI, etc. produce. Even Dell offers a single configuration on their site with no room for improvement. Why can't I say "Ok, I don't want bluetooth, but I do want Wireless-N. And take that tiny SSD out and put a real hard drive in there, I'm not arsed about the 5% loss in battery life"?
I read the article. I got about 2 paragraphs in and read this little gem:
we're still waiting for the Apple iPhone of netbooks - the example that blows all out of the water and sets a new benchmark for all to follow.
Since when the hell was the iPhone the definitive Phone? I'm honestly not trying to troll here, but it's widely documented that although it's great for web browsing and such, the actual phone aspect of it fails on nearly all points. It doesn't do MMS, it doesn't have bluetooth for anything other than headsets - hell, the shitty Windows Smartphone I had 4 years ago did everything the iPhone does today (and more), with the only exceptions of a multi-touch screen and 3G (Because it wasn't widespread back then). Honestly, what am I missing here?
It's a matter of context. This isn't designed to play Crysis by a long shot, but the fact that it can run COD4 fairly well (a game that's not even a year old) is pretty remarkable. As I said, it's not going to play crysis, it's not going to be a replacement for a good desktop experience, but it's small and light enough that you can conceivably carry it wherever you go, which is more than can be said for any "serious" gaming device. I can easily picture myself completing Half Life 1 on that machine (hell, I bet it'd run HL2 pretty well - that game is 4 years old now) while I'm away from my main machine, plus it'd be perfect for a bit of emulation on the go. I could even keep a pad in my bag along side it. I think things like this are a great idea. Sure, they're a hell of a niche, but anything that pushes the envelope forward is fine by me. Maybe we'll see nVidia concentrating on a GPU that's better designed for netbook form-factors, could even go so far as to revamp the PC gaming scene if a particular model takes off.
That's a very interesting looking device. What's most interesting is that it's absolutely tiny - smaller than any netbook I've ever seen. I'm in the market for a netbook myself, but that one is a little too small for my liking, so it looks like the N10 might be the one for me.
Indeed, I am in the same boat as you. I love the player, it does me perfectly (especially since I'm not a heavy music-listener) but it does have it's shortcomings and I'm sure they're nothing a firmware upgrade can't fix. Except for perhaps the pathetic FM radio they threw in that can barely get a signal anywhere.
Any word on compatibility with Creative's players? They're a pretty big part of the PMP market and the next company that comes to mind (for me) after Apple.
Yeah and helmets have that nasty habit of preventing battlefield debris from getting lodged in your brain. Somehow I think that's worth being a tad uncomfortable.
"Private Jenkins, Cover me!" "Sir, Yes, Sir!....man, sarge is so cool and he has such a great ass! He can cov-er-me-an-e-time-he-likes, tee-hee!" "Uhh...private Jenkins?!" "Uhh uhh yes, sarge?" "...I think I love you, too"
And then they'd get shot or something. Anyway, the moral of the story is...well...I forget, what were we thinking about, again?
I never once said that Linux is just as easy to attack as Windows. I also never said that it's security had anything to do with it's overall marketshare, what I said was that if you believe you're secure BECAUSE you're using Linux, then you're just as vulnerable to attack. True, the chances of some random exploit being a problem are severely reduced, but it's not like a clever kiddie couldn't produce different attack code depending on what the User Agent of your browser reports. I also (briefly, perhaps I brushed over this one a bit too much) tried to point out that a Vulnerability in the browser has little to nothing to do with the OS it's running on. If Firefox is open to attack, it's open to attack no matter if it's running on Linux, Mac OS X or Windows (with a few exceptions here and there, of course).
Basically, the sum-total of my argument is "don't blame windows". Anyone that's using linux and knows what they're doing enough to know when something is wrong can also safely secure a Windows box. It's not rocket science, it's mostly just common sense and applies to just any OS. "I'm a PC" (couldn't resist) and I know that if a mysterious toolbar appears, something is dreadfully wrong. Thankfully, that hasn't happened in a while. See, it doesn't just apply to Linux users, it applies to any experienced user. At least if a big exploit comes out, the OP will be safe, but if he just "switched" to Linux and left it at that, he'd still be open to attack. And what if the attack was more malicious than simply installing a toolbar? What if it was less-obvious? Surely thinking "I'm ok, I'm not running windows!" is just going to make the situation worse?
Lets see here, you're pretty much saying that if you use Linux, you'll simply KNOW when something is up with your system, but if you use windows, you wont because you'll think it's just some sort of update Microsoft is pushing on you? What about the average Mac user, do you honestly think they're "Technically-inclined" when the entire marketing campaign Apple uses can be summed up as "Buy a Mac - because it'll make you cool"? Or what about all those people who just bought an Eee PC (or similar) because they're affordable and all the rage? Will they suddenly become experts overnight and know the ins/outs of linux, at least enough to know when it's doing something it's not supposed to? Besides, when was the last time you seen Windows Update automatically install a new toolbar or whatever? The only thing I can think of in recent memory was the new Live search thing and I'm sure that was an OPTIONAL download anyway (and anyone that just ticks all the boxes and downloads anything they see without reading about what they're getting is just asking for trouble). Even IE7 is optional. Everything else is just security/program updates, with the exception of the odd service pack (which is what, once every 2 years?). Plus, it's not like modern Linux distributions don't have their own update programs within them, particularly those designed for the novice user. How are they going to know that their fancy new toolbar isn't just something linux has?
Your advice to the above poster is possibly the worst advice you could ever give anyone - "Use this OS and you'll be safe!". That's a load of bull, it just takes one person to make a virus and/or Trojan targeting that OS and your complacency will be taken complete advantage of because "you're running linux - YOU'RE SAFE!". The best way to ensure your system doesn't get compromised is to be careful and vigilant, which is exactly what the OP is, then even the "few" script kiddies that actually do target you will be hard pushed to hax0r your b0x0r. Yes, it's a minor inconvenience, but it's the ONLY way to be absolutely sure you're safe. And yes, this even works on WINDOWS boxes. Shocking, I know.
I hate defending Microsoft, but I hate it even more when people bash them for all the wrong reasons, or use feeble excuses - at least have a go at them for something genuine, it's not like you haven't got much to pick at them with.
(I know I'm going to get modded off-topic for this, but I can't help myself trying to be helpful).
I have no idea where you live, but in the UK we have a few services that offer free screenings of films before they come out. The most popular is www.seefilmfirst.com , I've probably seen maybe 20 films for free because of them. It's entirely pot luck on what you get to see, but like the previews you speak of, they've saved me wasting good money on rubbish films. I managed to see Tropic Thunder through this site a couple of weeks before it was even out in the cinemas here (I'm not sure if it's even out yet) and you're not far wrong, it's a bit of a stupid film that could have been a whole lot better, but in saying that I enjoyed it all the same. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is look around for some free screening sites like this, they're well worth it.
With Apple slamming Vista at every opportunity, those who combine the two are surely asking for trouble. Of course, the next time an Apple exec tries to slam Vista, they might want to ensure they can actually write good software themselves before commenting on it.
Maybe this is just a tad obvious to me, but surely being on the moon and without having that pesky earth atmosphere getting in the way, Solar power would be a better choice?
I know they're not very efficient and all, but satellites have been using solar power for years and it's not like the Moon is lacking the space for it. Hell, you don't even have to deal with things like leaves, rain and such getting in the way - there's no bloody wind on the moon.
Slashdot Mirror
For those of you who can't be arsed reading the article, it can be summarised as such:
Bandwidth caps are a bad idea. The only thing they'll accomplish is increasing costs for nearly ALL users.
So, nothing we didn't already know, then.
GREAT windows hate speech there!
Shame it's got little to nothing to do with the topic at hand. If the argument was that Netbooks could be better because they Currently run windows, then you could say the same about 99% of desktops and laptops sold today.
Windows isn't the issue here, just because Microsoft is a big, evil Monopoly doesn't mean that XP isn't a decent Operating System.
How is it not "usable", exactly? Many people would argue that having to constantly drop into the terminal to do anything important in Linux makes it "unusable", or that the lack of Software support for MacOS (compared to Windows) makes it "unusable" but for some reason, nobody ever makes that claim. You know why? Because Linux, MacOSX and even Windows are ALL usable operating systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
And loosing data because the battery ran out? XP uses NTFS, which may be the bane of many a Linux user, but it doesn't magically "lose" data just because of an unexpected power cut, it retains filesystem integrity. The only thing you could lose is UNSAVED data, which you're not going to be protected from on any operating system, unless the software you're using has built-in file recovery (I believe Office 2003 onwards has this).
I also particularly liked your trailing comment about manufacturers having to Compromise because of Windows. Compromise how, exactly? Taking the Eee as a fine example, the Linux versions tend to have identical hardware, with the only exceptions being smaller hard drives in the Linux variant. So go on, don't just leave it there, indulge me, explain how they're compromising hardware because of Windows? I'd imagine that, because of Windows' massive marketshare and almost implied support from most manufacturers (in terms of drivers), that'd it'd be the other way around, that the Linux variants would be the ones compromising due to flaky driver support for certain hardware.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending Microsoft or Windows here or all of it's well-known flaws, I'm calling you out because your rant against it has no place here, plus your arguments would have been valid maybe 10 years ago when those issues plagued the 9x series, but 7 years ago Microsoft fixed most of them and you apparently didn't get the memo.
I never once said the Linux version wasn't easy to use, my point was that since most "n00bs" use windows and, more specifically, Windows XP, then these notebooks shouldn't prove any more difficult to use than any other computer they've been using for the last 7 years.
Except nearly every netbook on the market currently comes in WindowsXP form, so what's so different about the Usability of a netbook and a laptop/desktop (for the average joe, that is)?
Why is it suddenly an issue? What were people doing before? Don't tell me people are only just migrating from desktops to portables, this isn't a new fad, the only difference is that Netbooks are a bit more feature-packed than other ultra-portable devices (like Smartphones or even laptops).
By your logic, a more usable machine beats a better machine because it's easier to use. If that was true, why did we ever bother complicating our phones at all? Why not stick to the simplest of designs because they're easier to use? The iPhone looks pretty, but the only reason it's "easier to use" is because there's a lot less of it TO use. Aside from the web browsing, you're not exactly getting a great device.
There's nothing to see here. The author doesn't put forward any good points about making a good netbook, he just whines about how the current ones don't suit him as well as they could.
"Do I need to play games? No" - really? Maybe I do. Maybe I don't necessarily want Crysis running on it, but I wouldn't mind the odd blast at COD4, which the Asus N10 actually runs fairly well.
"Do I need to decode 720p/1080p? No" Good for you! I actually quite like my Hi-def entertainment and considering some of these have a HDMI output, I can honestly say I'd love to be able to bring one over to my friend's house, plug it into his TV and watch some Hi-Def porn. Sure, it's not what the thing is really intended for, but if it's possible to add such a feature, give me the option for it.
I think the article proves that what we need is simply more customisation. Currently, you have to shop around for the pre-configured models that asus, MSI, etc. produce. Even Dell offers a single configuration on their site with no room for improvement. Why can't I say "Ok, I don't want bluetooth, but I do want Wireless-N. And take that tiny SSD out and put a real hard drive in there, I'm not arsed about the 5% loss in battery life"?
I read the article. I got about 2 paragraphs in and read this little gem:
Since when the hell was the iPhone the definitive Phone? I'm honestly not trying to troll here, but it's widely documented that although it's great for web browsing and such, the actual phone aspect of it fails on nearly all points. It doesn't do MMS, it doesn't have bluetooth for anything other than headsets - hell, the shitty Windows Smartphone I had 4 years ago did everything the iPhone does today (and more), with the only exceptions of a multi-touch screen and 3G (Because it wasn't widespread back then). Honestly, what am I missing here?
What's the easiest and fastest way to take complete advantage of this?
I want links!
It's a matter of context. This isn't designed to play Crysis by a long shot, but the fact that it can run COD4 fairly well (a game that's not even a year old) is pretty remarkable. As I said, it's not going to play crysis, it's not going to be a replacement for a good desktop experience, but it's small and light enough that you can conceivably carry it wherever you go, which is more than can be said for any "serious" gaming device.
I can easily picture myself completing Half Life 1 on that machine (hell, I bet it'd run HL2 pretty well - that game is 4 years old now) while I'm away from my main machine, plus it'd be perfect for a bit of emulation on the go. I could even keep a pad in my bag along side it.
I think things like this are a great idea. Sure, they're a hell of a niche, but anything that pushes the envelope forward is fine by me. Maybe we'll see nVidia concentrating on a GPU that's better designed for netbook form-factors, could even go so far as to revamp the PC gaming scene if a particular model takes off.
Gaming laptop != gaming NETbook.
That's a very interesting looking device. What's most interesting is that it's absolutely tiny - smaller than any netbook I've ever seen.
I'm in the market for a netbook myself, but that one is a little too small for my liking, so it looks like the N10 might be the one for me.
Indeed, I am in the same boat as you. I love the player, it does me perfectly (especially since I'm not a heavy music-listener) but it does have it's shortcomings and I'm sure they're nothing a firmware upgrade can't fix. Except for perhaps the pathetic FM radio they threw in that can barely get a signal anywhere.
Any word on compatibility with Creative's players? They're a pretty big part of the PMP market and the next company that comes to mind (for me) after Apple.
He can count to 2 fine, it's 1 he missed.
Yeah and helmets have that nasty habit of preventing battlefield debris from getting lodged in your brain. Somehow I think that's worth being a tad uncomfortable.
(All thought, of course)
"Private Jenkins, Cover me!"
"Sir, Yes, Sir!....man, sarge is so cool and he has such a great ass! He can cov-er-me-an-e-time-he-likes, tee-hee!"
"Uhh...private Jenkins?!"
"Uhh uhh yes, sarge?"
"...I think I love you, too"
And then they'd get shot or something. Anyway, the moral of the story is...well...I forget, what were we thinking about, again?
Point-in-case: Being vigilant is the answer, not running a certain piece of software (or rather, not-not running a certain piece of software).
I never once said that Linux is just as easy to attack as Windows. I also never said that it's security had anything to do with it's overall marketshare, what I said was that if you believe you're secure BECAUSE you're using Linux, then you're just as vulnerable to attack. True, the chances of some random exploit being a problem are severely reduced, but it's not like a clever kiddie couldn't produce different attack code depending on what the User Agent of your browser reports.
I also (briefly, perhaps I brushed over this one a bit too much) tried to point out that a Vulnerability in the browser has little to nothing to do with the OS it's running on. If Firefox is open to attack, it's open to attack no matter if it's running on Linux, Mac OS X or Windows (with a few exceptions here and there, of course).
Basically, the sum-total of my argument is "don't blame windows". Anyone that's using linux and knows what they're doing enough to know when something is wrong can also safely secure a Windows box. It's not rocket science, it's mostly just common sense and applies to just any OS.
"I'm a PC" (couldn't resist) and I know that if a mysterious toolbar appears, something is dreadfully wrong. Thankfully, that hasn't happened in a while. See, it doesn't just apply to Linux users, it applies to any experienced user.
At least if a big exploit comes out, the OP will be safe, but if he just "switched" to Linux and left it at that, he'd still be open to attack. And what if the attack was more malicious than simply installing a toolbar? What if it was less-obvious? Surely thinking "I'm ok, I'm not running windows!" is just going to make the situation worse?
That's a very good...pile of FUD right there.
Lets see here, you're pretty much saying that if you use Linux, you'll simply KNOW when something is up with your system, but if you use windows, you wont because you'll think it's just some sort of update Microsoft is pushing on you? What about the average Mac user, do you honestly think they're "Technically-inclined" when the entire marketing campaign Apple uses can be summed up as "Buy a Mac - because it'll make you cool"? Or what about all those people who just bought an Eee PC (or similar) because they're affordable and all the rage? Will they suddenly become experts overnight and know the ins/outs of linux, at least enough to know when it's doing something it's not supposed to?
Besides, when was the last time you seen Windows Update automatically install a new toolbar or whatever? The only thing I can think of in recent memory was the new Live search thing and I'm sure that was an OPTIONAL download anyway (and anyone that just ticks all the boxes and downloads anything they see without reading about what they're getting is just asking for trouble). Even IE7 is optional. Everything else is just security/program updates, with the exception of the odd service pack (which is what, once every 2 years?).
Plus, it's not like modern Linux distributions don't have their own update programs within them, particularly those designed for the novice user. How are they going to know that their fancy new toolbar isn't just something linux has?
Your advice to the above poster is possibly the worst advice you could ever give anyone - "Use this OS and you'll be safe!". That's a load of bull, it just takes one person to make a virus and/or Trojan targeting that OS and your complacency will be taken complete advantage of because "you're running linux - YOU'RE SAFE!". The best way to ensure your system doesn't get compromised is to be careful and vigilant, which is exactly what the OP is, then even the "few" script kiddies that actually do target you will be hard pushed to hax0r your b0x0r.
Yes, it's a minor inconvenience, but it's the ONLY way to be absolutely sure you're safe. And yes, this even works on WINDOWS boxes. Shocking, I know.
I hate defending Microsoft, but I hate it even more when people bash them for all the wrong reasons, or use feeble excuses - at least have a go at them for something genuine, it's not like you haven't got much to pick at them with.
What exactly has windows got to do with browser vulnerabilities (aside from IE, of course)?
(I know I'm going to get modded off-topic for this, but I can't help myself trying to be helpful).
I have no idea where you live, but in the UK we have a few services that offer free screenings of films before they come out. The most popular is www.seefilmfirst.com , I've probably seen maybe 20 films for free because of them. It's entirely pot luck on what you get to see, but like the previews you speak of, they've saved me wasting good money on rubbish films. I managed to see Tropic Thunder through this site a couple of weeks before it was even out in the cinemas here (I'm not sure if it's even out yet) and you're not far wrong, it's a bit of a stupid film that could have been a whole lot better, but in saying that I enjoyed it all the same.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is look around for some free screening sites like this, they're well worth it.
Someone hasn't seen tropic thunder.
With Apple slamming Vista at every opportunity, those who combine the two are surely asking for trouble.
Of course, the next time an Apple exec tries to slam Vista, they might want to ensure they can actually write good software themselves before commenting on it.
Maybe this is just a tad obvious to me, but surely being on the moon and without having that pesky earth atmosphere getting in the way, Solar power would be a better choice?
I know they're not very efficient and all, but satellites have been using solar power for years and it's not like the Moon is lacking the space for it. Hell, you don't even have to deal with things like leaves, rain and such getting in the way - there's no bloody wind on the moon.
Isn't God of War a playstation 2 game? It's no wonder it doesn't run correctly on your machine.
Oh balls, sorry guys, I tried. Shame google didn't inform me of this or even tell me what terms I violated...