Unboxing the System76.com Starling Netbook with Ubuntu GNU/Linux Preloaded

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Being the adventurous type, I've finally made it out to system76.com and purchased a Starling Netbook preloaded with Ubuntu GNU/Linux as a gift for a friend.

When all was said and done, the price for this little computer was about $394 (shipped). This may be about 50 bucks more than some other netbooks, but I've heard very good things about system76.com, and I know that System76 supports GNU/Linux by offering a wide selection of computers with the Ubuntu GNU/Linux operating system sold preinstalled.

This sweet Starling Netbook came preloaded with Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix. Upon receipt however, I quickly upgraded this system to the newer Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Netbook Remix GNU/Linux.

I have to tell you that after using this little bundle of joy for a few days, I'm starting to have second thoughts about giving it up to our longtime friend who is coming to visit us for Thanksgiving. I hope I can do it!

Something to purchase along with this type of computer is a 2GB (or greater) USB thumb drive - this way you can always make yourself a bootable Ubuntu thumb drive for upgrading your system, keep a backup of your files, or even make a clone image of your system with clonezilla.

Here are the specs for this fully capable little machine:
Display: 10.1" LED Widescreen Glossy LCD (1024 x 576)
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Audio Output: Intel High Definition Audio
Networking: LAN (10/100), WiFi
Wireless: 802.11 bg
Ports: VGA, 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack, SD Reader
Camera: Built-In 0.3 MP Webcam
Power Management: Suspend & Hibernate
Battery: includes one 6 Cell Lithium Ion
AC Adapter: includes one AC adapter
Dimensions: 10.4" x 7.1" x 1.3" (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) 32 Bit Linux
Atom N270 @ 1.60 GHz FSB 533MHz L2 512 kb with Hyper-Threading
2 GB – DDR2 533 MHZ x 1 DIMM
160 GB 5400 RPM SATA II
1 Yr. Ltd. Warranty and 1 Yr. Technical Support


I've been using the built-in webcam on this computer for video chat online at tokbox.com. The hulu.com Linux player works fine on this machine as well.

Oh and Check this out, the awesome free 3d online FPS game UrbanTerror by Frozen Sand works great on this little netbook, check it out here:


As the video above shows, there's never been a better time than now for Gaming companies to make their games work with GNU/Linux!! See some of my other posts for more information on this (i.e., here and here, and here).


How about you? Are you ready to get your Freedom on with GNU/Linux?

Shannon VanWagner
11-02-09

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