New Technology Reviews!.: Netbook

HP's AMD-powered Pavilion dm1-3010nr arrives at Verizon with LTE, $600 price tag

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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="194" mce_src="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" mce_style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 12px auto; max-width: 640px;" width="245" />It's Verizon Wireless' first LTE-powered laptop, but is it really anything to write home about? The familiar HP Pavilion dm1 -- which emerged last year on Big Red's 3G network -- has undergone a minor revision, this time surfacing with a 4G radio and a far more respectable processor. The dm1-3010nr is expected to ship two days from now (you know, alongside that grotesquely overpriced Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE), with an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) LED display, 1.6GHz AMD Zacate E-350 APU, 320GB hard drive, 2GB of DDR3 memory, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a VGA webcam, multi-format card reader and a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. It measures in at 1.2-inches thick and weighs 3.52 pounds, and so far as we can tell, the $599.99 asking price doesn't require a constricting two-year data agreement. We're awaiting specific word from VZW to confirm, but as of now, it looks as if you can get 5GB per month for $50, or 10GB for $80. Looking for that $30 / 2GB plan? Tough luck, bub -- she ain't available here.</div>
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Gallery: HP Pavilion dm1-3010nr for Verizon Wireless</div>
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<img alt="" height="75" mce_src="http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" src="http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="75" /><img alt="" height="75" mce_src="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" src="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="75" /><img alt="" height="75" mce_src="http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" src="http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="75" /><img alt="" mce_src="http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" src="http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/759/verizonhppaviliondm1301.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></div>
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HP's AMD-powered Pavilion dm1-3010nr arrives at Verizon with LTE, $600 price tag

It's Verizon Wireless' first LTE-powered laptop, but is it really anything to write home about? The familiar HP Pavilion dm1 -- w...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <img border="0" height="1" src="http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/9809/s/13a3faa6/mf.gif" width="1"> <DIV class=mf-related><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/lnX8IJk4gqY/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A></DIV>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/JFeDqqdE9uo/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

Hands on: MeeGo netbook review

<div align="center"><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego2-200-200.jpg" /></div>It's almost a year since Nokia and Intel announced they would throw Maemo and Moblin into a big mixing bowl to create MeeGo - the open source OS that can run on both x86 and ARM-based processors. 
While we've seen MeeGo running on devices such as the Nokia N900, we haven't had a play with it on a netbook - until now. Here it's running on an MSI unit. 
The netbook variation of MeeGo is a continuation of the previous Moblin efforts and the look and feel differs from the "tablet version" of the OS. 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego1-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
Obviously this is the netbook version, which is separated into areas, seemingly called zones. Here we have the MyZone area, complete with quick access to apps in the bottom left. You can also see appointments and tasks. 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego8-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
There's also a People zone, which would appear to be for instant messaging. 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego9-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
Web browsing comes courtesy of the Google Chromium open source code - essentially it looks exactly like Google Chrome.The Applications zone shows you what's installed and gives you access to them. 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego2-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
It's all rather good-looking, isn't it? Indeed, MeeGo is what we reckon a netbook-specific OS should look like. The way Windows and OS X have inculcated us, we need some kind of dashboard. 
And that's why we like the look of MeeGo on a netbook far more than we do <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3630952467398438450&postID=3174270315895559810">Google Chrome OS</a>. 
MeeGo just feels a lot more like an operating system than Chrome does. Chrome's lack of anything is just too disconcerting. And, of course, you still get the Chrome browser experience anyway. 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego4-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
<div align="center"><img alt="MeeGo" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/meego/meego5-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.techradar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>

Hands on: MeeGo netbook review

It's almost a year since Nokia and Intel announced they would throw Maemo and Moblin into a big mixing bowl to create MeeGo - the open s...

Tutorial: How to dual-boot your netbook or laptop

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.opener-200-200.jpg"> Windows isn't the best operating system for a netbook. It can be slow to start and it's somewhat inefficient, but most of us are familiar with it and have programs that need Windows to work. The best scenario would be to have Windows available for times when you need to do general work, and a different, faster operating system for the times when you just want to go online. You can achieve this by setting up a dual boot system with a speedy Linux distribution, such as <a href="http://lubuntu.net/">Lubuntu</A>. Download the <a href="about:www.bit.ly/dmKyz1">Lubuntu ISO file from here</A>. Once the file has downloaded, use <a href="http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/">UNetbootin</A> to copy it to a bootable USB drive. Launch it, connect your thumb drive, choose 'Disk Image' and browse to your Lubuntu ISO file. Click 'OK' and wait for the image to be written to the USB drive. You can use this to start your netbook. Connect it and press [Esc], or any button that gives you access to the boot menu. Check your documentation if unsure. If you want to install Windows afresh, you need to do so before installing Lubuntu, because it handles partitioning your drive and adds the GRUB boot manager for you at startup. Once set up, you should be able to access your Lubuntu desktop and launch the Chrome browser in a matter of seconds. 1. Install Windows <img alt="step 1" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot1-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Start by installing Windows. If you already have it you can skip this step, although it's a good idea to clear your hard drive and start with a completely clean system. First, use a USB-connected disk drive or create a bootable USB flash drive using UNetbootin. Now install Windows to the full hard drive, then restart your netbook with the Lubuntu USB drive connected. 2. Try Lubuntu <img alt="step 2" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot2-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Select the USB drive again from the boot menu and opt to try Lubuntu without making any changes to your PC. This launches the LiveCD version, giving you a chance to try the interface. Once you're happy with how it works, double-click the 'Install Lubuntu' link on the desktop. The installation asks for your preferred language, location and keyboard layout. 3. Partition disks <img alt="step 3" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot3-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You need to make space on your drive for Lubuntu. You'll see two diagrams showing the distribution of space on your hard drive. The first shows its current state, the second is a suggested layout the installer can sort out for you. Select 'Install them side-by-side, choosing between them each startup' to accept this configuration. Click 'Forward' to begin partitioning. 4. Install Lubuntu <img alt="step 4" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot4-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You need to provide a username and password for your user account. Once you've supplied these, you're shown a summary of the installation options that you've chosen. If you're happy, opt to install. Otherwise, go back and change the settings. You can leave the installation to run. It will take 10-20 minutes, depending on the speed of your netbook. 5. Dual booting <img alt="step 5" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot5-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Once the installation has completed, opt to restart your computer and disconnect the USB drive including Lubuntu. You'll see the GRUB boot screen. Lubuntu will be your default start option, or you can use the arrow keys to select Windows. Press [Enter] to accept the current option without waiting for the countdown. Log into Lubuntu with your username and password. 6. Autologin <img alt="step 6" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PC%20Plus/PCP%20302/PCP302.feat1netbooks.dualboot6-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Lubuntu can log you in automatically. Click the bottom-left button and choose 'Accessories | LXTerminal'. At the prompt, enter sudo leafpad / etc/lxdm/default.conf and press [Enter]. Add your password. Scroll to the 'Base' section in the opened file and add autologin= yourusername below the entries. Save and restart Lubuntu. You should boot to the desktop in 10-15 seconds.

Tutorial: How to dual-boot your netbook or laptop

Windows isn't the best operating system for a netbook. It can be slow to start and it's somewhat inefficient, but most of us are fam...