I decided to switch over to eeeXubuntu from the stock Xandros distro.
While Asus and Xandros did a nice job of creating an OS that is easy to use for beginners, it just isn't very extensible. Power users will hit a veritable brick wall if they want to install many applications because of dependency issues.
That's because the custom Xandros install used on the eeepc sports an old version of KDE and many custom libraries. It is kind of a mishmash that doesn't lend itself to upgrading via Synaptic or apt-get install without all kinds of errors and the potential of bricking the eeepc.
The issue that finally pushed me over the edge was an inability to get it working with my Bluetooth dongle. After many failed attempts, I decided to wipe it clean and install eeeXubuntu.
The eeepc Wiki has a special page for eeeXubuntu and I highly recommend it:
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/ubuntu:eeexubuntu:home
By following the instructions, I was able to burn a CD and then install it to a USB flash drive and finally to the eeepc. The installation went without a hitch and I was able to boot into XFCE desktop.
While XFCE is a nice, light, environment and plenty fast, I am a KDE fan and I decided to overlay KDE onto the install. That went quite well and I was able to get Bluetooth working great using bluez and kppp. I can now tether my eeepc to my Moto Razr and log on to the web using my T-Mobile data plan.
Finally, I decided to overlay a slimmed-down version of Kubuntu. Now, the system cranks really well, I can install the latest apps and still have about a gig left over!
3/08
