In a prior post I noted my enthusiasm for Moblin when run from a USB stick on my Acer AspireOne. I use a stick because Moblin is constantly evolving. Windows 7 has gone to manufacturing and as an MSDN member I was able to download the RTM version of Windows 7 earlier this month. I did an upgrade on the T61p using the instructions from Microsoft to make upgrades possible. That 64 bit install works great.

I also pulled down the 32bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium and built a DVD to install it on the Acer. Upgrades from XP are allegedly possible but I wanted to see what a clean install would be like. I would never have tried to put Vista on a 1gb Atom machine but Windows 7 doesn’t disappoint. Boot time is not screaming fast, but once started the system is eminently usable. The screen is sharp and easy to read. The 160gb disk performs pretty darn well given it’s size and speed. The webcam worked right out of the gate as did the SD card reader and the rest of the built-in kit. I have not tested battery life yet.

I had tried an HP Mini 1000 for Moblin and returned it since it wouldn’t work. I’m sure it would work with Windows 7 but I will say that the Acer has nicer fit and finish and for me I make fewer keyboard errors due to key layout. The difference between the keyboard usability from the Dell Mini 9 (9″ diagonal) and the Acer AspireOne (10.1″ diagonal) is much greater than I expected. While I love the Mini 9s performance, especially in its current OS configuration it’s keyboard doesn’t work really well for me. The Acer is much better with rounded key edges so you don’t catch the key beside you are hitting and a shorted keystroke throw.

Thinking Netbook, particularly for Windows? Have a look at the Acer AspireOne. I got mine at Costco for about $400 tax in

Well I’ve done it. Dropped the money for a Netbook and I chose the Dell Mini 9. I chose the Mini 9 for a specific reason, the chance to try an install of OS X as mentioned by Andy Ihnatko and other luminaries. I ordered mine with 2GB of memory and the 32GB SSD drive running Ubuntu 8.04 As a fan of SUSE Linux, I find Ubuntu limiting so the plan was to go to SLED or openSUSE for Linux. Dell’s hardware has always worked for me.

Opening the box and plugging the unit into AC, the machine came up fast and after entering a user name I was up and running. I ordered bluetooth, the better camera and the larger memory. I tried to change my order to the 64gb drive after ordering but that wasn’t possible according to Dell Customer Service. Actually I hate Dell’s customer disservice, but the machine is good. Great screen, fast and quiet boot, 3 USB ports,VGA out and SD card slot, 802.11g and wired ethernet plus mic in and audio out. Certainly port rich, what should be on the MacBook Air.

I am right now running OS X on it, but will be moving to Linux for day to day soon enough, did the OS X thing to prove it could be done. It can and it’s brilliant.

My only complaints relate to the touchpad (it’s twitchy) and the keyboard in that my giant paws mistype a lot. Some keys have been moved that slows me down and I find it tiring if I do a lot of typing. For quick browsing or email, it’s great but I’d be in pain after a long session of typing. This is the compromise for me but if I use the device as intended it looks like its going to be pretty good value for the money.