As promised, Linux PC retailer ZaReason has added a 10 inch netbook to its lineup. At first glance, the Terra A20 looks like a pretty standard netbook. But because it ships with Linux instead of Windows XP, ZaReason can offer customers a few configuration options you wouldn’t normally have.
The base model sells for $349 and includes a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 10 inch 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and 802.11b/g/draft-n WiFi. It also has an integrated VGA webcam and a 3.5 hour battery.
But if you’re willing to pay a bit more you can upgrade to 2GB of RAM, or add a WCDMA 3G module. You also have a wide range of hard drive options to choose from. You can get a 160GB/320GB/500GB 5400RPM HDD, a 160GB/320GB 7200RPM HDD, or 16GB/80GB/160GB solid state disks. The top of the line 160GB HDD is going to set you back $599, because you get a high quality SSD, not the cheap flash storage used in most low end netbooks. Still, I don’t expect a lot of folks to shell out $599 for storage on a $349 netbook.
You can also pick up a spare battery for $39, and choose between Ubuntu 9.04, Kubuntu 9.04, and Edubuntu 9.04. You can also choose to purchase the netbook with no operating system installed, but the price remains the same. The Terra A20 comes in two colors: black and mocha.
The Terra A20 isn’t the only netbook available from a Linux system builder. System76 also sells the Starling Netbook for $359. But System76 doesn’t offer nearly as many configuration options as ZaReason.
via Works With U
“I don’t expect a lot of folks to shell out $599 for storage on a $349 netbook.”
Then again, who knows? Where else can you get a portable computer with a 160GB SSD for under a grand?