iPad Comes Out and Linux Netbooks Are Faced With Negativity

iPad Comes Out and Linux Netbooks Are Faced With Negativity
by Phil Reusch

There are many who are not fans of netbooks at all. They are especially not fans of a Linux netbook. These machines from day one were criticized as pointless by many. Now we have the iPad that has just come out. When comparing the two, it's amazing the netbook ever got bad press. I guess it depends on who is doing the comparing. People compare things to what they need mostly and not by what others need.


The iPad starts at $500, has about 8 gigabytes of space, and a fairly limited set of built in applications. For the most part people will surf the web, send some email, read documents or books, play iPhone games, and watch video on the device in an under 2 pound experience.

Compared to the first netbooks the experience is about the same. They offered devices that could surf the net, read documents, use emails, and watch some video. Even the beginning models offered 8 gigabyte and 16 gigabyte models. Between the two, they are fairly similar devices as far as functionality is concerned. But the netbook still has it's advantages.

At least with a netbook a user can install a completely different operating system, use USB technology, and have Flash based internet or any other plugin of choice. There is also some physical advantages like upgrading the ram and changing out the battery. As everyone knows it doesn't hurt to have more ram. The more the better. It could be a deciding point by some people.

It seems as if there is more bias towards devices and brands versus actually looking at the facts about what devices can do. A netbook never promised to be a full laptop any more than the iPad is promising to be any more than it is. They both seem to fill the same role when you look at their main uses and applications. Currently a quality netbook with a long battery life giving the user much more options is still much less than the cheapest iPad. Some might want to rethink the way they review devices to show what's actually going on.

When comparing the first netbooks to the iPad, the functionality is practically the same. Find out why these devices, despite some differences, are very similar. Either one can be a great choice. It really depends on what you need for yourself. At least you have a choice now which should help you very much.

About the Author

Phil has been writing articles for many years for his various websites on different subjects. His current project at hand held metal detectors will help people find a metal detector such as a waterproof metal detector for hunting buried treasure in or near the water.