Making a Ubuntu Netbook

[b3n87]

Hello,

I want to research into starting a company that makes Netbooks. The netbooks will be shipped with Ubuntu (because its free) and the cases we are hoping to make ourselfs.

Does anyone know where I can buy "bundles" of motherboard packages, Intel Atom based ones, and buying screens and other components needed for the netbook.

Any help, ideas, etc would be greatly appreicated. Im hoping to make one for myself, and start selling them online.

Thanks in advance

[b3n87]

A few specs of the netbook I hope to make:

11.6" HD Screen
Atom processor
Nvidia Ion chipset
1GB ram
SSD maybe

The case will be machined from aluminium and will be coated for protection.

As you may have guess, this isn't your average cheap netbook :-)

[The Toxic Mite]

A few specs of the netbook I hope to make:

11.6" HD Screen
Atom processor
Nvidia Ion chipset
1GB ram
SSD maybe

The case will be machined from aluminium and will be coated for protection.

As you may have guess, this isn't your average cheap netbook :-)

Make the case out of plastic then? ;)

There's no point on making a netbook if it's going to be that expensive. I bet many people expect netbooks to be cheap! :/

[b3n87]

Theres a lot of competition their, I want to make a high quality laptop / netbook. Im not expecting to sell millions - I want to start small and see how well it goes.

I understand that a lot of people like to pay as less as possible, but some are willing to pay extra, people like me.

Bit off topic though, anyone know of some online sites where I can buy bundles etc?

[Swagman]

Look to history.

At the screen size you are proposing it's classified as a mini-laptop not a netbook.

Good luck with it though

[Swarms]

Contact the dealers like nVidia and Intel, they will be able to sell you those bundles of hardware.

The crowd who buys expensive computers made by expensive materials, I do not think will be satisfied with an OS that is free.

[Tristam Green]

Contact the dealers like nVidia and Intel, they will be able to sell you those bundles of hardware.

The crowd who buys expensive computers made by expensive materials, I do not think will be satisfied with an OS that is free.

This is a key point to remember. You might think it's a good thing to push FOSS, but you have to bear in mind the target audience.

From your specs on hardware, it looks more like that would be a very low-powered business mobility class model, rather than a netbook.

[b3n87]

Just because it comes with a free OS doesnt mean it needs to be cheaper.

But don't worry too much about my business model :)

There must be suppliers smaller than Intel and Nvidia? They would want me to buy huge amounts of quanity at once wouldn't they?

[JohnFH]

There must be suppliers smaller than Intel and Nvidia? They would want me to buy huge amounts of quanity at once wouldn't they?

Have you asked them? What other research have you done, or is this thread the sum of it?

[b3n87]

No Im Google-ing as we speak, very difficult to find anything. It seems easy to find small motherboards for mini PC's like the eee Top type computers.

Netbooks seem to be too specialised. Ill email Nvidia see what they say.

[Swarms]

Just because it comes with a free OS doesnt mean it needs to be cheaper.
They need to feel they pay for something. I love Ubuntu for what its worth, but it is not a operating system that gives you the same feeling (of value) as buying a computer with OS X or Windows preinstalled. For several reasons, looks being of the greatest. And nothing is wrong with that, we all know its free. But the same audience i talked about before, want something expensive.



But don't worry too much about my business model :)

You are very sure of your own businessmodel, but you haven't even checked the obvious yet.
This seems pretty halfhearted.

[manojd]

I am exploring a similar idea. Although, I want to make it as cheap as possible. I have found many manufacturers in China that are manufacturing netbooks and making them available with Windows CE. I would replace Windows CE with Ubuntu and create a new interface. The primary purpose of this netbook will be for kids learning and play. Here are the features I am thinking about:

256 MB RAM
8GB solid state flash storage
Ubuntu OS
Lot of software for kids
Enthernet port with or without wireless access
2-3 USB ports
7" display for the basic netbook
stereo audio
optional webcam (built-in)

I want to price it around 100 USD although it is not for US market, but for the Indian market.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

[b3n87]

I am exploring a similar idea. Although, I want to make it as cheap as possible. I have found many manufacturers in China that are manufacturing netbooks and making them available with Windows CE. I would replace Windows CE with Ubuntu and create a new interface. The primary purpose of this netbook will be for kids learning and play. Here are the features I am thinking about:

256 MB RAM
8GB solid state flash storage
Ubuntu OS
Lot of software for kids
Enthernet port with or without wireless access
2-3 USB ports
7" display for the basic netbook
stereo audio
optional webcam (built-in)

I want to price it around 100 USD although it is not for US market, but for the Indian market.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

I'll keep you posted on my findings. No such luck so far.

[The Jinx]

If you guys wouldn't mind not using an Intel Atom you should look into Xcore86, they produce a SOC which runs at I believe 1.0ghz. You can find more information about them by googling Edubook.

[JDShu]

I am exploring a similar idea. Although, I want to make it as cheap as possible. I have found many manufacturers in China that are manufacturing netbooks and making them available with Windows CE. I would replace Windows CE with Ubuntu and create a new interface. The primary purpose of this netbook will be for kids learning and play. Here are the features I am thinking about:

256 MB RAM
8GB solid state flash storage
Ubuntu OS
Lot of software for kids
Enthernet port with or without wireless access
2-3 USB ports
7" display for the basic netbook
stereo audio
optional webcam (built-in)

I want to price it around 100 USD although it is not for US market, but for the Indian market.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

Isn't that incredibly ambitious? Considering the 1 laptop per child project laptop isn't even $100.