Posted by Al Ingham

Acer Aspire 4315 Laptops are now being shipped with copies of Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) in Auckland and Wellington DSE stores. (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/freitasm/4387)Recently I also saw them for sale in the Noel Leeming catalogue as well (Lower Hutt – not sure how widespread this is).Because its not fitted with Windows, they’re also going for a cheap price of $699.00.
I’m speculating when I say I think there is a good chance that the reason for this is the ultimate failings of Windows Vista. These shortcomings are widely documented and update and install I’ve heard can be cumbersome. I think this is one of the reasons there has been an influx of Window’s users switching to distro’s such as Ubuntu, which are easy to set up and update, and have full functionality of Windows with similar programs available free of charge.
With a bit of tweaking, one can even get Ubuntu looking and working like Vista if you wanted to! (I have here using Compiz in Kubuntu 7.10 with Flip3D and Aero transparent theme – both of which I can’t get in my own Windows because the laptop came with Vista Home Basic!)

So next time you’re thinking of getting a new laptop – get your hands on a copy of Ubuntu (Bootable LiveCD means you can run it and give it a go before you actually install it) and if you like it, you might find yourself in for a nice surprise!

‘Till next time…