From Ubuntu Netbook Remix to Ubuntu UMPC

I am now using Ubuntu UMPC. This is awesome because I really like the defaults of the version of GNOME shipped with Ubuntu 8.10 and I have the benefits.

Image by Clair Ching, 2009.
(And yes, that’s my draft blog entry.)

One of the significant differences is that when I installed this on my Aspire One, I was able to choose how many partitions the hard drive will have and the sizes of each partition. I didn’t have much of a choice with the Ubuntu Netbook Remix. My Aspire One is the 150Bb so it has a 160GB hard drive. I don’t have to worry much about space constraints in my case so a regular distro is actually fine.

The user interface is different but I think that I could still install the Ubuntu Netbook Remix user interface if I really want to. But I think I am fine with my current UI: the apps are maximized, the top panel is fixed and the side panel is automatically hidden when not in use.

As for the wireless, I had trouble because Ubuntu UMPC didn’t recognize it right away. However, I was able to find a blog with tips on how to make it work: Aspire One, Atheros and Ubuntu. I just followed the instructions there and everything went well. I just hope that this won’t have troubles with the network setup at home. (We’re on WEP at home and it seems to have trouble connecting. Still not sure at this point what the problem really is.)

The sound works fine too. When I was using the Ubuntu Netbook Remix, I had trouble with the headphone and speakers — both seemed to ‘on’ even though I plugged in my headphones already. Now it’s just one or the other. Perfect! I could probably start using this Aspire One as my work machine if things go well while I am using it here.

I still have some other things left to tweak like graphics. I want to have an external LCD to extend my desktop, you see. For now, I think Ubuntu UMPC suits my needs better.