Windows has traditionally been installed in all major netbooks as the native operative system but lots of people have opted to install their own versions of linux based on their comfort with its features.
Acer Aspire One with Linux: Acer has managed to serve up a series used for light computing purposes that works pretty well with both Windows and Linux without much tweaking on your part. One of the best linux netbooks available today. If you are going the linux way, you should try the solid state drive (SSD) models over the ones with a traditional hard drive. It can be used for browsing and small office work, but not for resource intensive applications. The best benefit you get is the availability of some great budget netbooks in the series.
Asus EEE PC with Linux: Asus also has its famous Eee series prepared for the linux transition, especially the 1000 series models. The netbooks might look and feel a bit bulky but they pack a great punch in terms of functionality and Linux compatibility. Xandrox linux is supplied out of the box and there is full Ubuntu support except for some minor Bluetooth detections. The performance level is great and it is one of the best Linux configured series available in the market. Another great netbook with linux.
Dell Inspiron Mini Linux: Dell loyalists have a chance to rejoice as the Dell Inspiron Mini series throws up some decent performers on Linux. The classic Mini 9 and the more recent outings Mini 10 and 10v all pack support for multiple distributions, Ubuntu being the favorite choice among users. The special netbook version Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) works perfectly on the models without any major incompatibilities. The price to performance ratio is good value for your money and you can always install additional components via the upgrade options available to you.
MSI Wind U Series: A surprise seen in the netbook segment is the consistent presence of MSI among the top rankers in almost every category. Even in terms of linux compatibility, it scores high as compared to the other brands. If you are not bothered about the additional price, this one comes with Bluetooth and UNR configured straight out of the box. It also has good boot times and wireless performances, beating the Eee PC in most benchmarks. If you are a linux power user, you will feel more at home with the MSI than with other brands because of the several tweaking options supported by netbooks in the series.
The major thing that plagues Linux users is hardware incompatibility and lack of software options. However, if you go with any of the linux net book series listed above, your netbook would work with almost all the linux distributions available in the market. You can always mod it based on your preference and unleash the full power of linux without having to worry about device components. The best Linux based netbooks would be the Asus Eee PC while MSI Wind U will walk away as the best elite performer.
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