The spec, per Amazon, reads:
Acer Aspire One A150-Aw Netbook, Linpus Linux Lite version, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 120GB HD
* 8.9" Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD
* Operating System: Linpus™ Linux® Lite version
* Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor N270
* Memory: 1GB RAM (2*512MB Configuration)
* Storage: 120GB SATA Hard Disk Drive
* Connectivity: Wireless LAN b/g, LAN: 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
* Webcam: Integrated 0.3Mp Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* I/O Interfaces: 3 * USB PortsPort, 5-in-1 card reader (SD), (MMC), (RS-MMC), (MS), (MS PRO), (xD), SD™ Card reader for storage Expansion
* Battery Pack: 3 Cell (3 Hours Battery Life)
Unique Aspire One Interface
One of the neatest features of the Aspire One is the unique operating system which is created on Linux Linplus. This simple-to-use system is based on clear icons, similar to a mobile phone system, which are launched by simply clicking on them, which makes it intuitive to use and simple to master.
Your primary interface is separated into 4 clear segments, Connect, Work, Fun and Files that combine to give you access to a whole host of tools to ensure you make the most of your mobility.
Connect:
The Aspire One puts your favourite communication programs right on the home screen so you’re ready to connect to the web, email or chat on messenger within seconds of turning it on
 Work For people who want to stay productive on the move, the Work section on the Aspire One has built in software that allows you to do everything from writing letters and doing basic spreadsheets to running a presentation. In the work section you can also access your contacts list, a calculator and a notes pad, giving you the flexibility you need. |
 Fun What would life be like without some fun? Whether it is watching a movie, listening to music or playing one of the exciting games already installed, the Aspire One will keep you entertained on the go. |
 Files The files section of the interface gives you the ability to copy, share or access your files and folders simply and logically ensuring you are always in control. |
 |
 | Stylish Design The Aspire One is an elegant and stylish netbook that features a stunning gloss cover in either seashell white or sapphire blue colours, so you can pick the version that suits your style and your personality. |
 | Easy to Use One of the key aspects to any Netbook is the keyboard size, too small and you can’t use it properly, too big and the whole system needs to be made bigger. Acer has managed to get a 95% keyboard into its 8.9 inch netbook, one of the largest for the size, making this netbook a pleasure to type on. |
 | Connectivity Connectivity is vital with a netbook, both to the internet and to other devises. For strong internet connectivity Acer has both wired and wireless internet connectivity options. To connect to other devises there are 3 USB ports as well as VGA output and sharing data between devises is easy with the built in multicard reader. |
*on the Aspire One with 8GB SDD memory
Product Description
The Aspire one is more than just another ultra-mobile notebook: it's an all-new communication device designed to deliver continuous access to the internet and a simplified wireless experience no matter where you are. The Aspire one was designed to get you online in no time at all and thanks to the LinpusTM Linux® Lite operating system, start up and shut down times are reduced to the minimum. With the Aspire one running on Linux environment, the simplicity continues with the intuitive and specifically optimized software interface. Acer's Aspire One is equipped with an Intel Atom processor, specially designed for low-cost UMPC's, and runs on both Linux and Windows. Other features include an 8.9-inch screen, from 1GB of RAM, a built-in WiFi connection and expandable memory upto 4 gigabytes.
As usual with Amazon, the items arrived promptly, safely and well packaged.
I am fairly familiar with Ubuntu, but Linpus was a new Linux variation (to me), based on Fedora.
The layout, as shown in the screenshots above, is nice and clear and easy to follow. Wireless also worked well.
But... there were issues...
- The webcam works, but captures no sound! This appears to be a known issue.
- Software updates were horrendously slow. Even connecting to Ethernet meant this running for hours.
There were some good resources available online - the user forum at http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/index.php, Acer itself - http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/index.php, and http://macles.blogspot.com/ which has some very good tutorials.
This allowed me to install apps like Google Earth, Skype and VLC, but the sound capture aspect meant it just wasn't working to full effectiveness.
So - bite the bullet and go for Ubuntu? Colleagues at work had tried, so why not?
Ubuntu's own HOWTO had some slight issues mentioned, but they all looked surmountable. And so it proved. The install process took probably about an hour, at which point the Acer was running Ubuntu!
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