Torn between these 2 netbooks - opinions PLEASE? (RAM, operating system, Ubuntu) - Computers -PCs, laptops, hardware, software - City-Data Forum

NicoleJ · 08-30-2009, 10:11 PM

Acer Aspire 1410 Review (1810T) - Netbook Reviews

MSI Wind U210 - Netbook Reviews (looking @ the one w/ 2gb ram)

Basically they seem to be about the same, even price. One is a 12.1 screen, one is an 11.6 screen.

I would KILL to have a netbook w/ at least 2gb ram and xp, but I don't think that's possible.

EscapeCalifornia · 08-31-2009, 01:19 AM

Many (probably most) netbooks can have their memory upgraded. Check out Crucial.com and enter the model numbers and see if what they say.

NicoleJ · 08-31-2009, 08:34 AM

cool, thank you.

Bo · 08-31-2009, 08:38 AM

Even my old eeePC 4G, one of the very first netbooks in the marketplace, runs XP and can have up to 2GB of RAM installed. XP runs just fine for me with 1 GB.

I agree with the recommendation to upgrade your own RAM. I had a 1 GB stick left over from a Mac upgrade that I was able to use in the eeePC.

NicoleJ · 08-31-2009, 08:42 AM

I thought that Microsoft said no to xp on comps that run higher than 1gb ram?

EscapeCalifornia · 08-31-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoleJ

I thought that Microsoft said no to xp on comps that run higher than 1gb ram?

Even if true, that doesn't mean the computer isn't capable of more. It would just mean you can't buy it from the manufacturer with more than 1GB.

fastninja500 · 08-31-2009, 11:27 AM

I would go with the MSI Wind because of past experience. It's been ultra-reliable and fun to play with. A few of my friends have it.

Not to mention that the stable hack for the Hackintosh is available for the MSI Wind, in case you ever explore that route.

We've triple-booted the MSI Wind with Windows XP, Hackintosh and Ubuntu 9.01. It works great.

NicoleJ · 08-31-2009, 03:07 PM

fast, I don't know much about hacks. But you're the 1st to have seen/played w/ the MSI that I've talked to. Thanks!

540_804 · 08-31-2009, 07:54 PM

The thing about upgrading ram on the netbooks is I know a lot of the companies had no-upgrade policies. If you added a stick of ram it voided the warranty. They caught a lot of criticism for that and if memory serves me correctly, MSI rescinded on that policy provided that the upgrade is performed by a professional.

I've never had the opportunity to use it but I have heard virtually nothing but good things from MSI users. Especially, as fastninja mentioned, those who have booted MSI with 'alternative' operating systems like Hackintosh and Ubuntu.

Goo++ · 08-31-2009, 07:58 PM

Actually I was looking at both of those two "almost" netbooks. It is a tough choice. The Acer has a faster CPU. The MSI's ATI Radeon graphics performance will be better. It depends on what is more important to you.

The Acer's slightly smaller screen is, IMO, a significant point in their favor since both are no longer really "netbooks".