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Intel’s Netbook App Store Goes Up, Finally!
Jan 8th
With so many netbooks around, isn’t it just about time that a netbook app store be created? I mean, the potential of netbooks can be fully realized if users install and download free applications and actually use them, right?
That’s what probably came into the minds of the Intel folks, as they just launched the Intel AppUp Center for netbooks.
It’s a pretty clever idea actually. The iTunes App Store is a huge success, so who knows it might make wonders for Intel.
Developers can also access a part of the site made specifically for them and for netbook manufacturers.
So, if you’re fond of downloading and installing applications on your netbooks, now you can find them in one repository – at the Intel AppUp Center. There are quite a number of apps already available for download, including Boxee and Yoono. Have fun!
Via Venture Beat
A post from the Asus Eee PC blog.
Intel’s Netbook App Store Goes Up, Finally!
Splashtop 2.0 Goes Out, Perfect for Netbooks
Jan 8th
Aside from the slew of new netbooks that are being announced and displayed at CES 2010, some netbook systems are also participating. One of them is Splashtop with the official release of their Splashtop version 2.0. Coinciding with the official release of Splashtop 2.0 is the announcement that the software will be powering some netbooks including those from Asus, Acer, HP and more.
And here are the key features of Splashtop 2.0:
- A redesigned application dock that let’s you add your favorite apps and sites.
- Ability to customize the look and feel of your desktop with stylish wallpapers and personalized packages.
- Instant search, which let’s you search even before launching the browser.
- Visual navigation of your favorite sites and history.
The first netbook to be released with Splashtop 2.0 will be the Lenovo S10-3T which was just announced at CES 2010.
A post from the Asus Eee PC blog.
Splashtop 2.0 Goes Out, Perfect for Netbooks
New Year, New OS (Jolicloud Pre-Beta, to be exact)
Jan 2nd
I finally went through with something I was planning a few months back. I installed a Linux distro on my Asus Eee PC 701. Actually, the main reason I didn’t push thru with installing Linux is that I didn’t want to leave the comfort of a Windows installation. I know there are a lot of Linux fanboys among you readers, but I really depend on Windows a lot and I really can’t afford turning Linux into my main operating system.
Once I was able to get my hands on a brand-new laptop, I didn’t hesitate removing the Windows XP installation on my Asus Eee PC so I can put Jolicloud on it. As I have the only the 4gb Eee PC, I went for the Pro Install. I downloaded a Jolicloud ISO and was able to quickly mount it on a flash drive. The Jolicloud website has the easiest instructions, and because of that I was able to get Jolicloud up and running on my mini laptop in no time.
Jolicloud Pre-Beta’s interface does not differ significantly from Ubuntu Netbook Remix. In fact, save for a couple of shade changes, it’s exactly Ubuntu Netbook Remix. But the biggest difference would be the installation process. Just like the app store on an iPhone or iPod touch, you’d get to an App Directory and all you need to do to install them would be to click on the install button, and the app of your choice would be downloaded and installed immediately.
The apps available on the directory are a bit of a mixed bag. We’d get apps like Pidgin and Google Chrome, which are must-have programs to install on any computer, regardless of operating system. I saw an app for Twitter, and I promptly installed it. I was hoping for a TweetDeck-like experience where Tweets are integrated into the Jolicloud UI, but I only got a Mozilla Prism window leading to the Twitter website. Meh.
I’d be satisfied with Jolicloud if the audio didn’t keep on disappearing on me during random intervals. I can’t find anything anywhere that can help me out with that issue. Also, the fact that I never once upgraded the RAM on my Eee PC (I’m holding on at 512mb!) made running Jolicloud a not-so-pleasurable experience. Everything is choppy and lag time is a bit huge. Ok, I know it’s my blasted 701’s fault more than anything else, so I’m giving Jolicloud the benefit of a doubt here.
The audio problem’s a really big pet peeve though. Restarting my Eee PC doesn’t guarantee the audio will go back – in fact it took around three to four restarts just to get it back, which is annoying. I’ll try my luck with CrunchBang Lite one of these days.
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