system76_starling_netbook

Known as the Starling NetBook, the System76 device features Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.04, a 10.1″ LED Widescreen LCD, 1 GB of memory, a 160 GB hard drive, WiFi, a webcam, a 6 cell battery, and a nearly full size keyboard in a 2.6 lb. package, according to System76 President Carl Richell. Default pricing for the system — when I checked System76’s site a few minutes ago — was (US)$359.00.

Now, I must concede: Many netbooks have disappointed me. We’ve got one of the older Asus Eee PCs at home, and I found the keyboard far too small for regular typing. Also, I found pointing and clicking difficult/clumsy. More recently, I tried to get my hands on a Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook, but a holiday pricing special for the system wasn’t working quite right when I tried to order the system.

So I have to admit: System76 has me intrigued. I had good experience recently testing System76’s Pangolin Performance laptop. And Ubuntu users seem to like System76’s products: The company’s revenues (from Ubuntu-oriented systems, of course) grew 61 percent in 1Q 2009 vs. 1Q 2008.

But will System76 deliver another hit with its new Starling NetBook? And are netbooks really a product category that will stick around? I do think small, low-cost notebooks will continue to proliferate the market. I just hope System76 and peer Ubuntu system makers don’t sacrifice quality as they strive to build even lower-cost systems.

If you test the Starling Netbook please let me know. I’d welcome your perspectives.

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