Netbook modding
Posted: September 27th, 2012, 7:08 pm
So here is where I'm at in my quest to build a nice netbook for not a lot of money.
My plan was to get an Asus 1025C 10.1" with Atom N2600 1.6Ghz, 1gb memory, 320gb hdd. I like the physical aspects of the computer, keyboard etc... and also supposedly Asus has the most reliable netbooks.
and then install 2gb memory and put in a ~60gb ssd.
And make sure I have whatever battery it takes to get the 12.5 hour life (I think it's the 6 cell).
But it may not be that easy, because once I put in the SSD (OCZ Agility 3 SATA III, most likely), I'll need to install an OS, and supposedly the ATOM processor doesn't support the 64 bit Win7 Home, only 32 bit. (But I'm not positive this is true) And then I would still have to purchase whatever version of windows I could handle with 2gb RAM, because the netbook only has 1 memory slot, and only supports a 2gb card.
So I was thinking of Linux, but I'm not sure if I could run/install Microsoft Office programs on that...could I?
So the pricing will come to ~$200 computer +60 SSD (-$10 after mail in rebate ) +$12 ram.
What OS could I install for pretty much free? I'll have to look around my house, but I'm pretty sure I still have the Win 7 home premium 64bit disk for my current laptop, and probably Microsoft office disk as well, if they can be loaded on another computer.....
However, my main goals are still to use the netbook for word, excel, etc and web browsing. So if the more basic editions of Windows will accomplish that, then I won't worry about it.
I know the limitations of the netbook, I just want to make one with all day battery life, and that is quick like a Lotus. I don't need a raging bull of a Lamborghini here, just something nice and light.
So I feel like I've hit a bit of a wall.
Any input?
My plan was to get an Asus 1025C 10.1" with Atom N2600 1.6Ghz, 1gb memory, 320gb hdd. I like the physical aspects of the computer, keyboard etc... and also supposedly Asus has the most reliable netbooks.
and then install 2gb memory and put in a ~60gb ssd.
And make sure I have whatever battery it takes to get the 12.5 hour life (I think it's the 6 cell).
But it may not be that easy, because once I put in the SSD (OCZ Agility 3 SATA III, most likely), I'll need to install an OS, and supposedly the ATOM processor doesn't support the 64 bit Win7 Home, only 32 bit. (But I'm not positive this is true) And then I would still have to purchase whatever version of windows I could handle with 2gb RAM, because the netbook only has 1 memory slot, and only supports a 2gb card.
So I was thinking of Linux, but I'm not sure if I could run/install Microsoft Office programs on that...could I?
So the pricing will come to ~$200 computer +60 SSD (-$10 after mail in rebate ) +$12 ram.
What OS could I install for pretty much free? I'll have to look around my house, but I'm pretty sure I still have the Win 7 home premium 64bit disk for my current laptop, and probably Microsoft office disk as well, if they can be loaded on another computer.....
However, my main goals are still to use the netbook for word, excel, etc and web browsing. So if the more basic editions of Windows will accomplish that, then I won't worry about it.
I know the limitations of the netbook, I just want to make one with all day battery life, and that is quick like a Lotus. I don't need a raging bull of a Lamborghini here, just something nice and light.
So I feel like I've hit a bit of a wall.
Any input?