Which Netbook Linux Distribution should I use?

[markw10]

I just purchased a new netbook and instead of using a regular Linux distribution such as in the past I'm thinking of using one of the netbook versions.
In the past I've used OpenSUSE and Mandriva on netbooks and Ubuntu on a desktop.
If I'm correct Acer comes with Linpus but is that available for purchase without purchasing a netbook?
Also, what about the custom Xandros distribution on the ASUS eeePC. Is that available separately?

The two choices I really know of that I could likely install on my own are Ubuntu Netbook Remix and Mandriva Mini. Does one of these stand out as the best? Is there another one out there that I don't know about?

[Tigrrr]

I don't know how it'll work, but I'll try Fedora 10 with LXDE (once I get my S10e)

[Leon]

Welcome to the forum!

[REMF]

i will be sticking with opensuse, installing 11.1 when it arrives on Dec 18th.

includes the new intel graphics driver (2.50).

[iamsaisai]

can i have the third choice?
i prefer linux mint (ver6 RC1 is out already, the stable version is coming soon)
i have been using fedora and ubuntu on s10 before i switch to linux mint ...it's based on ubuntu

one of the most convenient thing is the linux mint has already included many codec
and linux mint looks cool....the UI is quite different from ubuntu's and i love it so much..it looks more simple

[cezor]

I fast boot time, and fast load on programs, so ubuntu is not for me. I used ubuntu allot before, Then i switch to Linux mint, but still needed the speed. So i was told about Crunchbanglinux, its based on ubuntu but its alot faster because it uses openbox, and its not filled with useless stuff

[joec]

how does crunchbang do with wireless? How about Mint? -- out of the box or do you have to look for drivers?

[Slidewinder]

I installed Mint xfce rc1 6.0.
Wireless worked, even off the live usb. Once I did the full install, I was prompted that the restricted broadcom driver was available. I installed that and have not had any issues in about a week.

[theoak]

I've also had a great "out of box" experience with Mint 6. I'm just using the regular gnome desktop that comes on the default install. All hardware works with the exception of the front microphone (the one on the wrist rest area). I have fooled with all the settings I can find, and although the microphone picks up sound and outputs it to the speakers, it will not let me record sounds using the built in "sound recorder" or with audacity. Using a microphone with the microphone jack works fine.

The VGA out works with my old 14" CRT monitor. But you need to set the screen resolutions to the same (800 X 600 is the highest common resolution) for both monitors. Otherwise, the screens are messed up. Also check the box to "mirror" the screens. The only problem I still have is that when I try to reset the S10's screen to 1024 X 600 (default) resolution, the screen will show only a black background and the cursor (which still moves) but no icons or menus. To get back to a working 1024 X 600 resolution, I had to ctrl-alt-F3, followed by a ctrl-alt-delete to restart. (If that still does not work, do the same and select "failsafe" start up, then arrow down to the bottom entry (restores a backup of your xorg.conf) and you are back up running again.

As for everything else, it all "just works". Sound, headphone jack, WIFI, video, card reader, touchpad, webcam, the wireless card physical switch, even the Fn key with screen bright/dim, volume up/down, PrtSc, NmLk keys. I'm impressed! I haven't had a troublefree Linux experience this good with a laptop ever!!

The only thing I am unsure about is the ExpressCard slot. I don't have any ExpressCard devices to try it out.

[Slidewinder]

Oak, you seem to be doing a little better than I am with the Gnome DE. I might consider switching over to that.
IN XFCE, All the FN-keys have been working except the volume up/down. Sound does work, but I don't have any volume control, even in the panel. I'm also still having some touchpad issues and some intermittent bugginess with suspend and hibernate. It seems like the screen brightness varies when coming out of suspend.

This is really the first linux distro I've played around with, but I'm trying to use it exclusively on this s10.
I've been messing around with a lot of settings, so who knows I might have broken something.