Linux-Based Cell Phone Netbook Dream Machine
Another sticking point is having to lug multiple gadgets around when I travel. I used to want something like a Toshiba Libretto because it was close to the perfect size. But it had three drawbacks: too expensive, an uncomfortable keyboard, and no integrated mobile phone. Now in this excellent new netbook era, I think my dream machine is finally at hand.
Blackberry and other smartphones? Close, but not quite close enough-- tiny screens and keyboards, and too inflexible. I want a real computer that I can monkey with all I want.
Nice Inexpensive Linux Netbooks That Do Everything
Linux on netbooks is such a natural pairing that it would take all the resources and talents of big corporations to screw it up. Which they have done. Is there even one OEM Linux netbook where Linux isn't mangled and crippled beyond recognition? Yes, actually there are a few. Dell's Inspiron 15n comes with Ubuntu, and LinuxCertified gives you a choice of several popular Linux distributions. (I'll post a roundup of good Linux netbooks later this week.)It does not speak well of the industry that so many Linux netbooks ship with major defects and pointless, broken customizations. What's so hard about it, anyway? Any moderately-experienced Linux user can easily customize Linux however they like; there are all kinds of excellent, easy utilities to do this. All the vendor has to do is make sure of a reasonable package selection and that all of the hardware works.
But, as usual, I digress. A mobile phone-enabled netbook is my dream machine. 3G is miraculous; it marks the end of the endless hunt-for-a-wireless-portal. A 10" screen is plenty big enough to do real work and is easily luggable. Throw in a Bluetooth phone headset and I'm ready to hit the road; all I need is a table in a quiet corner and I'm ready to go to work. I have absolutely zero need or desire to walk and yak on the phone, or drive and yak on the phone, or sit in restaurants and yak on the phone, or go to movies and concerts and yak on the phone. I'm quite comfortable leaving the whole works at home. I don't mean to induce insecurity and terror in anyone, but it is possible to go naked and not carry a phone at all.
A real Linux computer offers up endless options. Suppose I don't want to pay for 3G service? No problem, ordinary wifi is fine, though a bit more trouble, and I can set up VoIP for free. Using any standard Linux distribution is the way to go; then you have access to the distro repositories and thousands of applications, and all of the flexibility and power of a real Linux, instead of a mangled, non-functional excuse of a Linux.
I'm going to wait a little longer because I want that perfect trifecta: 3G-capable, long battery life, and low price tag, which to me means under $400. And maybe even one of these newfangled non-Intel CPUs that Windows won't work on, and probably never will. Not only because I don't care for Windows, but because they promise better efficiency, performance and low power consumption. And more choice in the marketplace.
Come back Thursday for a Linux-netbook-3G roundup.
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I'm using my Xandros 4G eeePC with a Sierra Wireless USB broadband modem. I don't own a phone (at least not a physical one anyway). I use SkypeOut to send phone calls. Or I can use my Linux-powered Cradlepoint MBR1000 broadband router to share my broadband connection. Having a longer battery life and a wake-up from standby feature, along with a Bluetooth headset, I could make and receive phone calls.
Looking forward to the follow up.
Red
The subject of this article is getting into the realm of the newest of Netbook designations, "Smartbooks". These are supposed to include all of the non x86 processors (ARM), with full Netbook and phone functionality, as well as being cheaper and having far better battery life. Been wanting something like this for a long time also. Looking for a large screen, pay as you go cellphone with the option of (hot-spot only)internet/Skype-phone capabilities (no forced data plans). They don't exist to my knowledge.
Question: Are the telcos ever going to allow these cheap, non-Windows Smartbooks to have full phone (3g) and hot point (802.11g) functionality to exist on a single piece of hardware without being locked into a carrier or forcing people to accept an expensive data plan as they do now with Smartphones now?
I don't see them allowing the cannibalization of their egregious (high profit margin) practice of charging people for using their own home wireless internet connections.
Amen
You started the article with the Cell Phones subject and then moved to Netbooks.
Cell Phones are NOT Netbooks.
While you can "talk" with Netbooks using VOIP it does not serve as a Cell Phone, today's Netbooks are not nearly as mobile as Cell Phones, you cannot take or dial calls without opening and starting your Netbook first.
You cannot take the Netbook in your pocket everywhere as you do with Cell Phones it's just still too big.
I think you should wait for Smartbooks to start comparing Cell Phones with...
I don't own a cell phone. I have heard that cell phones are now having viruses too. I've been waiting for a secure web-connected full-featured Linux phone/computer. This time is getting close.
Seems like we are waiting in the same line, I am putting my hopes right now (not so much tho) on those Arm powered netbooks that are supposed to come out, but, so far, there is just nothing good for my needs in the market.
More than a full computer (with full price) on a small size, I am looking for some sort of mobile terminal with e-mail and apps for handle contacts and schedules and that's it, I am pretty sure I don't need a dual core atom with 2GB of ram for do that. And yes, the option of alternate between wifi when available and 3G when not it's a must, as well as bluetooth for a headset and skype.
So, it basically comes down to:
- Arm processor
- Decent keyboard
- 3G
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- Decent battery life
Yeah, that's about it.
Looks like OpenMoko's FreeRunner with small usb keyboard would fit you well...
I can't agree more. I've now owned two netbooks. The first was a Asus 701 which shipped with Xandros (worth it just for the different "windows" key label) and then an Asus 1000ha which shipped with windows. Both where in my hands for less than an hour before they were booting Debian.
While I haven't yet splurged for a wireless data plan or device for that matter, I have no trouble finding free wifi when I need it, and even live with no access at all in my home. The large 160GB drive in the 1000ha gives me plenty of space for all my music (in ogg vorbis) and a complete mirror of all the debian repositories.
I have no issue viewing my machine as a full blown laptop. I don't understand why these guys are considered to weak for anything but webbrowsing. Of course, I find that firefox is one of the most processor intensive applications I run.
I can't wait for the power sipping arm machines, with only 1/4th the power draw. It'll most likely be my third netbook in as many years.
Small point, really, but with multi-touch, the iPhone isn't exactly a one-finger interface.