I want to learn some Linux, is the eee right for me?

I'd like to get a laptop to take with me to some Linux classes as I start to learn it. I was curious if the eee would be a good choice or if I should invest in a different notebook? I'd like to keep this as cheap as possible as I am getting a Sager when the 8800m comes out.

I'm worried about hardware incompatabilities so it would be nice having a system that has everything working out of the box. The distro shouldn't matter as none of the classes are designed to be dependent upon a particular distro.

Thanks!

 

It shouldnt be a problem

 

actually, i think that is a good idea

 

Yes that does sound like a good idea. Unless you had an old laptop lying around you wouldn't mind throwing Linux on. It is a Linux class afterall so I'm sure if you had driver issues a few minutes after class would solve that problem.

 

Guide to install Mint on eee: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190661

 

The cheapest way to get Linux for occasional use is a live distribution. I recommend Slax, a USB key installation rather than a CD. You can add and remove modules (e.g., drivers) on the fly, save changes etc. It's almost a real Linux without you needing to change one thing on the HDD (and not requiring a new machine, be it Eee or whatever else)

By the way, I think SLAX is much nearer to real Linux than the Eee Linux...

 

The problem with that is you still require hardware hence my interest in the eee.

I could put it on my desktop but that is kind of hard for me to lug around to my classes and elsewhere.

 

Ah so you don't have a laptop.

In this case, if you want to spend a little more, I suggest getting a real laptop. Otherwise get the EEE but be aware that its usability is very limited.

 

Well, as I said in my original post, I am getting a Sager soon. The problem is I don't want to take it to class because I have very little discipline and would end up playing games in class. Having something that would NOT allow me to play games would be a great help.

 

Well, in this case I suggest you improve on the discipline rather than spending money on two machines

Joking... almost.

 

Also be aware that the version of Linux on the Eee is a customized OS that Asus designed based on something else (don't remember which, but I don't keep up with the multitude of distros), so it may not quite a Linux system like Ubuntu or others that might be easier to learn an alternative OS from.

As EBE notes on the Eee's usability, it's not really supposed to be a primary system for anyone. As for usability in class, it seems from various users that the machine is not terribly user friendly in the typing department - shrunk down keyboard in a 7' body means that touch typing is supposed to be difficult at best and you probably wouldn't be bringing an external keyboard along with this unit, but ymmv I suppose .

If you're intent on running Linux for learning or whatever, perhaps it's better to set up a dual boot Linux / Windows on your Sager or perhaps buy a second HDD that you can install Linux on and then swap into the notebook when you need. OTOH, Sager doesn't make terribly portable notebooks anyway, and you may want to think about something small-ish for hauling around campus as backpack weight adds up with notebook, textbooks etc as I recall from days of yore.

 

Yeah, or like I said just get a 2 or 4GB USB key and install SLAX on it. All the Linux you want without one bit written to the hard drive. Runs as fast as a notebook HDD, also (20MBps for a good USB key).

 

the EEE comes with games preinstalled, not bf1942 mind you. but I still see you playing crack attack instead of learning about kernels