[Arm-netbook] Looking for an ARM Netbook !

[Gordan Bobic]

 On Tue, 3 Jul 2012 21:32:57 +0300, Alexey Eromenko <al4321 at gmail.com> 
 wrote:
> Hi All !
>
> Just as the list name implies, ARM-netbook, is what I'm looking for.
>
> I plan to install Linux+KDE into it, and remove Android, or 
> dual-boot.
>
> Required parameters:
> 1 GB RAM (KDE will not run on 512 MB RAM... will swap like crazy)

 Depends on what you intend to run. I am typing this on a Toshiba AC100 
 (512MB of RAM, 510MB after you allow 2MB of RAM for the 1280x720 frame 
 buffer) running KDE and Firefox, and I have 250MB free RAM with no swap 
 used. It would start swapping in linking stages of big compile jobs, but 
 with a SuperTalent RC8 USB SSD fitted internally ( 
 http://www.altechnative.net/2012/02/07/morebetter-internal-storage-on-the-toshiba-ac100-part-2/ 
 ) swapping isn't particularly painful (2000 4KB IOPS on both random 
 reads and random writes, Sandforce flash controller, see: 
 http://www.altechnative.net/2012/01/25/flash-module-benchmark-collection-sd-cards-cf-cards-usb-sticks/ 
 ).

 The only decent option you really have is the Asus Transformer, but 
 unlike an AC100 that you can get for ~ £170 new, the Transformer will 
 set you back more than double that with a keyboard.

> CPU: Allwinner A10 (preferably)
> Built-in 3G modem. (preferably)

 Most AC100 models have a 3G modem built in. Genesi Efika has it as an 
 optional extra.

> Resolution: 1024x600 or above (7"-11" size)

 AC100 comes with 1024x600, but can easily be upgraded to 1280x720:
 http://www.altechnative.net/2011/12/30/toshiba-ac100-screen-upgrade-to-1280x720/


> mobile keyboard is a must

 Toshiba AC100, Genesi Efika, Hercules ecafe, Asus Transformer. Only the 
 Transformer has 1GB of RAM. None have an A10. Efika/ecafe have a 
 Freescale, AC100 and Transformer have a Tegra2. The new Transformer has 
 a Tegra3 - I don't know if anyone has got full fat Linux running on that 
 yet, IIRC there were issues with the boot loader being locked.

> Price: under $200.

 Dream on.

> (i.e. the hardware can be either Netbook proper, -or- Tablet/Netbook
> convertible)
>
> Candidate:
> 
> http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/533150474-Teclast-P85-Tablet-PC-8-android-2-3-A10-1-5GHz-1024x768-Camera-1GB-DDR3-16GB-wholesalers.html
>
> Only problem: no 3G modem.

 How exactly are going to attach the keyboard?

 Gordan