eMachines EM350 - Linux compatibility and experiences

[Omer Zak]

I have the need for a netbook, whose basic use will be as an E-book
reader and for notetaking.

Today I saw the eMachines EM350 netbook in Office Depot, advertised for
1299NIS.
Before making the decision to buy it, I checked a bit in the Internet.

1. People reported success in installing Linux (Ubuntu 10.4) on it,
except for a problem with the built-in microphone (which I don't plan to
use).

2. Its graphic processor is Intel GMA 3150, which is claimed to be
supported by X-Window under Linux
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_GMA#Linux).

3. The wireless is Broadcom 802.11n (the netbook's MS-Windows XP Control
Panel/Hardware Manager did not identify the exact chipset being used).
Broadcom claims to support Linux
(http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2486458776.html).

4. The battery is supposed to be able to power the netbook for 4 hours
between charges.

Before going forth and plunking down my money, I'd like to know about
other people's experience with this netbook and whether they know about
better alternatives.

Thanks,
--- Omer


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