netbook: linux vs windows; anyone use web-based photo editor?

[aldercreek]

For those of you who have or know about netbooks - any opinions on what's better Linux or Windows XP for the operating system? I've never used Linux, but I'm not too worried about learning it. How is it for compatibility?

Since I want to scrap on the go too, and I know it's not likely Photoshop will run on it, I'm looking into web-based photo editors. Has anyone used one like Splashup or Aviary Phoenix? They both looked promising, but I'm wondering what would be the best way to store and access my scrap goodies in them.

[catgrrl]

It's been over a year since I've used it myself, but some friends use GIMP for their editing. Not web-based, but free, installs in seconds and has many of Photoshop's features (though finding way around takes awhile and documentation is not that great). Works on linux or windows.
http://www.gimp.org/

And from feedback from my DH, Linux's desktop(s) have gotten much better, but overall, linux is still more for the geeks than the average user. If you are comfortable in the shell at times and doing admin stuff, it can be great and much more stable (though FF is quite bloated on it). Software supported is mostly community built freeware. For doc/spreadsheets, he uses OpenOffice (also can be used on windows). We always also check to make sure there are printer drivers (and scanner drivers, etc) available in linux before we buy the peripherals as well (companies are inconsistent on providing them so often up to the free-geeks to do it)

Otherwise, you might want to stick w/ XP. He's Linux, I'm Windows, so we have both worlds in our house.

[Just Plain Kristi]

I have an Acer Aspire and use ACDSee Photo Editor on it. it's a tight fit as a minimum 600 pixels height is required to run PE but the 1 GB of RAM is plenty. I can hook it up to my large screen TV to demonstrate with but I still do my main scrapping on my desktop.

I love my little Acer though...it's my e-book reader and my fun evening surfing computer...mostly pogo games...lol.

Kristi

[Rhoda Jayne]

Kristi,
I haven't scrapped on mine but I did load Editor, Living Cookbook, Master Cook & all my audio books. Last week when I was on spring break, I decluttered a few rooms and I took it with me from room to room and listened to one of my audiobooks while I worked. I could have used my ipod or phone but I get tired of wearing headphones.
I loaded Digital Image Suite too but I haven't tried to do any pages yet. I thought it would be nice to take on a trip & scrap in the car though. It fits in my Butler Bag:lol.
Rhoda

[4guysandme]

How much are you looking to spend on the netbook? Just curious as you can pick up a cheap laptop these days for sub $400.

[kjbstevens]

I have an Asus 900HA and it has 2GB of RAM and runs Windows XP. I'm able to use PS Elements 5 just fine on it. It was $325 total off Amazon last month because I got the $298 computer and RAM upgrade. It does everything I need. The computer itself only came with 1GB but it's only $25 for the upgrade to 2GB RAM and it's super easy to install it. It's 2 screws off the back and the old one just pops right out. I love the thing. It hasn't froze on me yet and the Wifi works great on it anywhere I need it to work. It's small enough to fit in my pocketbook too instead of a big bulky laptop. If you want to scrap I'd go for the 2GB myself. It has 160GB hard drive but what I use is a USB memory key. That way I can transfer files back and forth between my desktop and my laptop without using my computer's space or dealing with a big external drive. It comes with free online storage too but I haven't used it yet. Love it!