netbook posts

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Apple

Atom support back in Mac OS X, Hackintosh netbooks not dead after all

by Jay Hathaway Nov 5th 2009

We recently reported some bad news for Hackintosh enthusiasts: Apple's upcoming OS update, OS X 10.6.2, had removed support for Intel Atom processors. None of Apple's hardware uses Atom, but some of the most popular netbooks do, so that news affected a big chunk of the unauthorized OS X installs out there. With the latest developer build of 10.6.2, though, Apple seems to have flip-flopped and reintroduced Atom support.

A couple of possible explanations come to mind: removing Atom support could have been a bug, or it could have been an intentional, yet temporary, measure. On the other hand, maybe flipping the Atom switch back on is temporary. We really don't know, because Apple hasn't commented. The company is notorious for taking measures to keep its OS running exclusive on Macintosh hardware, so this could still go either way. For now, though, enjoy having a netbook with the very latest build of OS X

[via Engadget]

Tags: apple, atom, hackintosh, intel atom, IntelAtom, netbook, os x 10.6.2, OsX10.6.2

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Apple

Apple breaks Atom Hackintoshes with upcoming OS X 10.6.2 update

by Jay Hathaway Nov 2nd 2009

According to OSXDaily, Apple's next scheduled update to Snow Leopard, OS X 10.6.2, doesn't support Intel Atom processors. This is no problem for anyone on Apple hardware, because no Mac product runs an Atom. If you're on a hacked netbook, though, it looks like this is the end of the line for your OS X updates.

Although it's not confirmed, rumor has it that next update to Apple's previous Leopard OS (10.5.9) will also knock out Atom support. Until a workaround pops up from netbook hacker circles, Atom machines running 10.6.1 and 10.5.8 should probably avoid upgrading. Is Apple sending a message to users running its software on third-party machines? It seems likely, but it also doesn't seem like it will do much to stop determined netbook enthusiasts.

Tags: hackintosh, intel atom, IntelAtom, netbook, os x, os x 10.6.2, OsX, OsX10.6.2

Filed under: Google, How-Tos, Browsers

How to add a bookmarks button to your Google Chrome toolbar

by Lee Mathews Sep 1st 2009

Most users of Google Chrome enjoy its minimal interface. So why use a clunky toolbar to display your bookmarks full-time if you don't have to? Like many other excellent Chrome features, adding a miniscule bookmarks menu button is only a command line switch away!

Just right click your Chrome shortcut and choose properties. In the target box, add a space and --bookmark-menu after chrome.exe. the result should something look like this:

C:\Users\LeeM\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe --bookmark-menu

This works on versions 2, 3, and 4 of Google Chrome, so it's a tweak anyone can use. That is, as long as you're running Windows - my Linux and Mac versions don't seem to be able to add the button yet.

Netbook users, enjoy your extra 28 vertical pixels!

Note: as mentioned in the comments, yes, you CAN add multiple switches - just put a space in between each one like so:

chrome.exe --enable-user-scripts --enable-sync --bookmark-menu

Tags: bookmarks, google chrome, GoogleChrome, hacks, how to, HowTo, netbook, toolbar

Filed under: Linux, E-mail, Productivity, Open Source

Linux UI designer working on netbook-optimized calendar, mail

by Adam Maras Aug 6th 2009

Linux-powered netbook users that have been missing their doctors' appointments and kids' school plays because operating a calendar application on their tiny portable is, at best, clunky and painful, can finally breathe an accurately-scheduled sigh of relief. Srinivasa Ragavan, who is one of the user interface developers for the open-source Evolution personal information manager project, has taken it upon himself to develop netbook-happy frontends for the calendar and mail portions of Evolution.

The calendar interface, as shown off on his blog, makes use of the entire screen for the calendar view. It features a handy upper toolbar for navigation, and a powerful drop-down menu for selecting more viewing options. The mail frontend, named "Anjal," features such optimizations as a similar upper toolbar, a tabbed interface (something soon to be seen in Thunderbird 3), and Gmail-esque threading.

Srinivasa hasn't yet released any working source for the calendar interface, but the Anjal mail project is available for anyone willing to install Moblin on their netbook, or (for even more fun) build it from source.

[via All About Netbooks]

Tags: calendar, evolution, gnome, linux, mail, moblin, netbook

Filed under: Internet, Search

Splashtop gets pre-boot web searches

by Jay Hathaway Jul 24th 2009

Even if you've got a blazing-fast desktop rig, starting up a computer isn't instant. If your notebook has Splashtop, though, you'll soon be able to search the web within seconds, before your computer even boots up. Splashtop already offers pre-boot access to a handful of applications, but the search bar will be the quickest way to get to the web. Yahoo! will be the default search engine, but you'll be able to switch to Google or Bing.

Netbooks will obviously be the big winners here, since they're already targeted to people who want quick access to the web. Splashtop is available on both netbooks and larger notebooks from brands including Sony, HP, and Lenovo.

[via CNET]

Tags: instant-on, instant-search, netbook, pre-boot, search, splashtop

Filed under: OS Updates, Open Source, Beta, Mobile, Android

Support for Android apps coming to Moblin 2.0

by Lee Mathews Jun 4th 2009

Moblin has already received a lot of praise in the media for its innovative interface and intelligent features, and now there's one more reason to be excited by the Intel-backed project.

Intel's Anand Chandrasekher, VP of their ultra-mobile group, showed off a device running Moblin 2.0 which also sported a number of Android applications during a speech today at Computex. Apart from generating excitement in the users community the news gives cellular providers added incentive to carry Moblin-powered devices, since many already have Android Marketplace revenue sharing agreements in place with Google.

Don't forget, Canonical recently unveiled their plans to enable Android applications in Ubuntu as well - which would likely include the Netbook Remix. Even if netbook manufacturers favor UNR or Moblin over Android for an operating system, it looks like users won't have to worry about missing out on killer Android apps.

[ via PC World ]

Tags: android-marketplace, moblin, netbook

Filed under: Fun, Games, Internet, Hardware, Adobe

Adobe, NVidia working to improve Flash Player performance

by Lee Mathews Jun 2nd 2009

I enjoyed my MSI Wind netbook while I had it, but there was one task that always gave it fits: running Flash-based anything. Games stuttered, YouTube clips were choppy, and the system's tiny fan spun like a tin can in a tornado.

Owners of newer netbooks featuring NVidia's upcoming Tegra system-on-a-chip or Broadcom's Crystal HD will be glad to hear that Adobe is teaming up with NVidia to produce a version of the Flash player tuned for netbooks and MIDs. The goal is to provide full h.264-powered HD video to more mobile devices.

Another result of the partnership: Flash will likely see significant performance gains on other NVidia chipsets as well. At last you'll be able to put your multi-GPU SLI configuration to good use while enjoying your favorite Time Wasters!

[ via ZDNet ]

Tags: adobe-flash, broadcom, flash-player, netbook, nvidia, performance

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Freeware, Open Source, Windows x64

WinSuperMaximize strips the title bar from app windows

by Lee Mathews Jun 2nd 2009

Looking for a way to conserve a few extra pixels of vertical space on your display? You might want to give WinSuperMaximize a look.

Launch the app and it minimizes to your system tray. To "super maximize," just tap win+F11 - a second press will bring the bar back. You can also right-click the tray icon to activate the effect, though sometimes it targets a window other than the currently active one.

It does make moving windows a little tricky (installing AltDrag is a good way to solve that problem), and multiple monitors are not currently supported. Super maximizing will always send the app to your primary display.

Despite those shortcomings, it's still a decent way to save some much-needed screen real estate on cramped netbook displays.

Tags: customization, minimalism, mods, netbook, window-title-bar

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Freeware, Windows x64

Flip your screen and touchpad from landscape to protrait with EeeRotate

by Lee Mathews May 20th 2009

Sometimes when I'm reading an article or ebook I'd prefer to have my notebook's 1280 pixels in height rather than width. While most display drivers are capable of handling that task, they don't do anything about the orientation of the touchpad. My brain's on-the-fly directional translation gizmo isn't always reliable, so a single application is a better solution for me.

EeeRotate (link via Google Translate) is a handy little freeware app that combines two previous free efforts - iRotate, which handles the screen and SakasaMouse, which takes care of the touchpad. Launch Eeerotate, and you can quickly flip your screen clockwise or counter-clockwise by pressing ctrl + alt + right (or left, respectively).

There's not much to see, as you can tell from the screenshot - the app just gets out of your way and does what it needs to do.

Eeerotate runs on just about any version of Windows, XP or newer, including 64-bit builds.

[ via JKOnTheRun]

Tags: eee, landscape, netbook, portrait, rotate

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Windows, Linux, Microsoft

Microsoft fires another shot at Linux netbooks by extending XP availability

by Lee Mathews Apr 30th 2009

Linux advocates had a lot of fun recently taking shots at Windows 7 Starter version, which Microsoft has positioned as an option for low-cost netbooks.

What could Microsoft possibly offer in response to the "Starter is a comically bad attempt at an operating system" comments?

They could announce the continued availability of Windows XP for netbook manufacturers for a full year after the release of Windows 7 - which exactly what they've done.

If what Acer said earlier turns out to be true, that means OEMs will be able to sell XP-powered machines until October 2010, and that decision is sure to have repercussions for Linux on netbooks.

After all, one of the key weaknesses of Starter Edition was the three application limit - something that can't be said about Windows XP.

Though it will still add a bit to the cost of a system, the amount has been pegged as low as $15. That's a negligible amount and one most consumers will be willing to absorb to have access to an operating system that is far more familiar to most than any Linux distribution.

The extension will give Microsoft an entire year to build public awareness of Windows 7 and showcase Starter Edition - or scrap it and offer better pricing on another more complete version. Either way, today's announcement could mean a continued rough road ahead for mainstream Linux.

[via PC World]

Tags: linux, netbook, windows-xp

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Open Source, Beta

Tiny, Super-fast Linux distro Moblin V2 alpha 2 released

by Lee Mathews Mar 24th 2009

Late in January of this year I installed Moblin on my MSI Wind U100 netbook. At the time, it wasn't officially supported by the distro and my wireless wouldn't connect, so I ended up removing it. In a little under two months, the team has released alpha 2 which - among other things - includes full-on support for the Wind.

The update also includes the 2.26.29-rc7 kernel, XFCE version 4.6, the Gnome 2.26 release candidate, and drivers for additional wireless and wired lan adapters. Moblin's boot process and graphics subsystem have also been tweaked, and it started up about two seconds faster than my previous install.

There are still a few apps missing that other similar distributions include by default, like Skype or an instant messaging client like Pidgin. It's still Linux, though, so you can always add packages on your own - Skype for MIDs is available to download from the official developer site.

Those of you curious enough to try it out can download an ISO image or the ready-to-run VMWare machine. A number of the updates in alpha 2 came as a response to customer input, so get involved if you install it and submit your bugs and suggestions!

Tags: instant-on, intel, linux, moblin, netbook

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Beta, Mobile

Xandros Presto promises yet another instant-on Linux experience

by Lee Mathews Mar 2nd 2009

Xandros isn't a new name in netbook oeprating systems. After all, it was their OS that first appeared on Asus' category-defining EeePC. What next? Why, instant-on, of course! Called Presto, the new OS will be joining other options like JoliCloud, Moblin, gOS Cloud, and Phoenix Hyperspace.

As is the case with competing products, the goal is to provide a fast-booting desktop experience that includes must-have applications like Firefox, Skype, and a media player. In addition to that core functionality, Presto will also include full access to files on Windows partitions. Xandros is also preparing an app store that will allow users some freedom to expand their instant-on capabilities.

It remains to be seen whether there's an appreciable market for Linux installed in tandem with Windows XP. Most users might just be willing to wait the extra 20 or 30 seconds required to boot their full (and more familiar) Windows desktop.

Presto will cost about $20 after its scheduled release this April, but until then the beta version is a free download. You can get it from the Presto site (as soon as it stops returning 500 errors).

[ via Webware ]

Tags: eee-pc, instant-on, laptop, linux, netbook, xandros

Personal Menu is a better way to hide the main menu in Firefox

by Lee Mathews Feb 11th 2009

When I bought my MSI Wind netbook, I immediately went searching for Firefox addons to help me maximize my screen area.

Initially, I used the simple Hide Menubar addon to give Firefox the IE7-style . Later, I switched to Personal Menu, which provides a few additional functions that are extremely handy.

Apart from being able to hide the main menu, Personal Menu can add additional buttons for bookmarks, history, and a custom menu. The custom menu allows you to add not only top-level items like file, edit, and view, but sub-items like addons and downloads. If you customize your install frequently, you may want to add restart for easy access.

If that isn't enough, Personal Menu also offers middle and right-click actions on its buttons for fast access to history and bookmark actions and to its own options screen.

Tweaked too much and messed up your menu? Pressing shift + control + alt + s will get things back to normal.

For such a small addon (77k), Personal Menu is incredibly useful.

Tags: customization, firefox-addon, hide-menu, maximize, netbook, screen-real-estate, small-screen

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Open Source

Who needs instant on? Moblin boots in about 15 seconds

by Lee Mathews Jan 29th 2009

I've read about moblin before, but when it resurfaced in my newsreader this morning I decided it was time to take a look at the project a bit more closely. The moblin OS is built on Linux and optimized for Intel-based notebooks, netbooks, and MIDs. It is currently in alpha testing, but already looks very promising.

Most of the other Linux distributions I've tested on my MSI Wind were "customized" for netbooks, but they ultimately ended up feeling like a standard desktop distribution with an interface tweaked for small displays.

One thing immediately sets moblin apart from the others.

After installing it to the hard drive and rebooting my system, it took a mere 16 seconds to get from the Grub menu to the XFCE desktop. Holy boot times, Batman! That's impressive.

I'm aware that users have gotten times like this before with distros like Arch, but Moblin will be easier to deal with for most netbook users.

The pre-installed applications are kept to a minimum - Firefox is included and you'll be able to enjoy your music and videos with Movie Player. There are also lightweight GTD apps for managing contacts, tasks, and a calendar. You can, of course, add whatever other packages you like through yum or add/remove software.

If you want to take moblin for a test drive you can download an iso file, or a virtual machine for VMware or KVM. Keep in mind this is an alpha release. Moblin's finished form may look nothing like this, but it's an intriguing project even at this stage of the game.

Tags: linux, mid, moblin, netbook

Filed under: Mozilla, Browser Tips, How-Tos, Browsers

Tweak Firefox to Make the Most of Your Netbook's Screen

by Lee Mathews Aug 4th 2008

First Asus released the EEE (you know, that tiny little Linux laptop), now netbooks are flooding the marketplace as other makers trip over themselves to compete. I love my new MSI Wind, but let's face it: 1024x600 doesn't give you a surplus of screen real estate. Here's what I've done to maximize my viewable area in Firefox without sacrificing much needed functionality.

Step one is to reduce what you can using the options Firefox provides out-of-the-box.

First to go: the status bar. While I know there are reasons to leave it visible, it's not really necessary for the bulk of the web browsing most of us do, and those are valuable pixels we can save. Next, head over to the toolbar menu click on customize. Switching from the default large to small icons will provide another small gain.

Now let's get rid of the bookmarks toolbar.

If you're not using an online bookmarking service yet, owning a netbook is a good reason to start. By using Google bookmarks and installing the GMarks addon, you're able to sneak all your favorites into the top main navigation toolbar. After you've installed GMarks, go back to toolbar customization and drag the GMarks Toolbar star onto the bar wherever you prefer it.

Tags: eee, firefox, minimalism, msi wind, MsiWind, netbook, umpc

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