Windows 7 Starter vs. Linux Ubuntu

Another person's experience with the same computer (Ahren's Blog).  

Features: Intel Atom N450 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 Cache)
1GB DDR2 RAM, 1 SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max; Intel UMA graphics
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM); 0.3MP Webcam
10.1-Inch 1024X600 WSVGA LCD Display; 802.11 b/g/n; Chiclet Keyboard
6 cell battery for up to 11 Hours of Battery Life; Windows 7 Starter Operating System

So I would like to say that we received my cute new netbook, started it up and started using it right away!  That is, I would say that if it were not for Windows 7 Starter.  I made it a point to go through the programs offered and to see how everything integrates.  The amount of hourglass watching, not to mention when I finally went to 'shut down' and the computer stayed on for quite some time installing updates.  At one point I was looking at customizing IE and trying to get rid of some of the automatic links they've included in their toolbars - and bang, ended up installing the trend anti-virus ware trial that I didn't mean to install.  I'm a bit lost to be honest, couldn't customize the background - couldn't change the startup screen.  The classic windows games and things that are included just don't seem to be worth the hassle now that I'm used to my Macbook (family computer) and iMac (at work).  

When I installed Skype, I had to admit their PC interface is much nicer than the Mac one.  They inadvertently prompted me to install Google Chrome - my god it's faster than IE!  I quickly made it the default browser.  

Then we get to Windows Media Player (WMP).  I didn't like it in XP and that sentiment carries over again.  There's no way to easily remove it from my desktop.  I have long since removed myself from the dependency of Windows based media types.  Usually VLC does the job and if it doesn't, well it's just not worth it.  So that was another wasted 20 minutes of clicking around and waiting around.  I still haven't even been able to surf the web properly or to do anything that I would otherwise do.

Today I took sometime to look into eReaders.  The Kindle looks promising for PC (and has a Mac version) - but won't work on my black berry.  In contrast, the Barnes & Noble E-Reader does have a BB friendly version (for my model) as well as PC and MAC AND EVEN LINUX versions!  Only downside is that it's a bit limited in the free book title arena.  I think Kindle might have the larger number of titles.  I'm also wondering if the books are readable from the different readers - i.e. if I buy a book off Kindle, can I read it on the E-reader.. or if I buy a book off Amazon.  So this is something to look into before making a final decision.  

Bottom line - I feel as though it may just be worthwhile to scrap the Windows 7 startup and to install Linux.  

Question: What am I trying to achieve with this little netbook?

Answer: I want to be able to surf the web, blog, write stories, and read the occasional book.  I would also like to play the occasional game - thought that is achievable on any platform.  

So Ubuntu may be the eventual answer.  See the youtube comparison of start up and shut down Ubuntu vs. Windows 7 Starter.  I can definitely conclude that Microsoft as usual has given you the equivalent of a 2 star all-inclusive resort where you have little or no choice in what you encounter and don't really want to do anything because what they do offer you isn't particularly worth the effort.  I think I'd rather if the market changed altogether and allowed you to pick any operating system you wanted. The control of the "Choose your own adventure" is much preferable to falling into the middle of a jungle and getting sucked into quicksand.  Defeats the purpose of paying good money for tools that are supposed to work and provide you with what you want.  I would have been much more happier and satisfied had I been able to use the netbook right out of the box.  Instead, I think it'll take me more than a week to get it customized to the extent that I'd be using it.. and in that week I may just get tired of the blasted thing (pregnancy hormones kicking in).  So may just give into Steph and get him to put Ubuntu on the system.  Then can run Chrome and firefox, whatever eReader... and open office/notepad.  When it comes to esthetics, I prefer if I can customize the desktop as I like.  Microsoft, though you include bells and whistles... they seem to come with a price!