Netbook Network

Lightweight OS’s are popping up all over the place seemingly with similar blazing fast speeds and loads of features. But are they really that similar? In this article, two popular netbook OS’s fight to the null in terms of features, appearance, and usability.

Let’s start off with Jolicloud. The operating system “utopia”, a supposedly perfect blend between social networking and performance. It also sports a large application directory that allow you to stay connected with your friends and family.

But the downside of this is exactly that, it’s a double edged sword. Jolicloud’s giant web application database requires the web to run. Thus, if you aren’t connected to the web, then your operating system can’t really function. Though this isn’t that much of a problem with upcoming WiMax networks that cover the city in Wifi, it still is a downside when you are traveling abroad, which is one of the netbook’s primary purposes. The lack of apps that don’t require the internet means that when you are away from the internet all you really have is an interface with a bunch of useless buttons, and that’s exactly what you don’t want.

Meego. The brainchild of two massive computer and handheld device corporations: Intel and Nokia. What Jolicloud lacks in innovation, Meego has. Though it may have a small database of apps, the usability and performance of this OS far overcomes it’s downfalls. Programming power and the enhancement of speed for Meego are absolutely stunning. But to be fair, we have to give you the cons.

The interface of an OS has always been number one for a user. The interface is the usability of an operating system, how easily you can work and communicate using that interface. Meego has a very basic and simple interface, producing very mixed reactions. The reaction to Meego’s GUI is somewhat tepid, with some complaining that the OS looks to simple and isn’t professional enough. Another downfall is customizing, another priority for a person that uses Linux. You can’t drastically change Meego’s appearance, it’s rather set in how it looks.

Both of these operating systems have it’s ups and downs. But once we look into each operating system closer and closer, we see the ups and downs of each. Meego has a rather simplistic design that may not appeal to some people, and isn’t meant for customizing, which is important. Not to mention it’s small app repository. But Jolicloud also has it’s downfalls. Though it has a large database of apps, once you cut the internet, you lose about 95% of those apps, giving you very little to work with. This isn’t true with Meego, though you have less apps, they fully function without an internet connection. No netbook should ever have to become a brick once it loses internet connection, and that’s why the winner for this round is: Meego.

Jolicloud Homepage
Meego Homepage