(512 vs 1gb version) + other questions

Hey guys, I'm teetering on the edge of purchasing the AA1 but I just had a quick question.

I'm comparing the following 2 versions:

1. Acer Aspire One A150-1249 w/ Atom N270, 512MB, 120GB, 8.9in WSVGA, Linux
2. Acer Aspire One A150-1890 w/ Atom N270, 1GB, 120GB, 8.9in WSVGA, WinXP Home

I wanted to upgrade the ram to 1.5gb after I purchased it, so would I be just better off purchasing the 1st version and tossing my own XP/Vista on it and saving $40 (which I can use for ram) or should I just purchase the 2nd one and upgrade ?

As well, in the description for both, about the ram, they say that it is "user upgradeable up to 1.5GB". Does that mean it doesn't void the warranty then? I have read in some places that it does, and other places it does not, so I am a bit confused about that aspect.

Additionally, part of the reason why I am on the fence is that I am unsure if I should go with the 3 cell now or wait 2 weeks and see if the 6 cell version is more widely available at a lower price ($379.99 CAD). Does anyone think the price will drop for the 6 cell in 2 weeks or so (which is the latest I can wait) ?

Thanks,

Angelus

(P.S. - awesome forum, I've learned a lot about this beauty from here )

 

Option 1 if I were you.... you wont be wasting that 512mb RAM, and will save $$ in the process if you you already have an XP installation CD.

 

Linux version is better. You want upgrade RAM anyway then there is no point to buy more expensive version with WinXP... I would go for 1.

 

If you go for the 1Gb and want to upgrade to 1.5Gb then you will have a 512Mb of RAM left over since there is 512Mb soldered onto the motherboard and they added a 512Mb chip to make the 1Gb.

I have not seen a statement like that in fact the support people told me the RAM is not user upgradeable but if you don't break anything when upgrading the user upgrading the RAM will not void the warranty. However! I have upgraded my RAM and while it is not user upgradeable (meaning you just need to open a panel to add the new RAM) it can be upgraded by someone that has the skills to build a computer so if you have ever built a computer the you should not have any problems if you follow one of the many Youtube instructions.

I don't think the price will drop in fact I think it will go up due to demand. If you want to try Linux then check out Onelinux which is Ubuntu with the kernel being altered for the AA1.

 

Thanks for the quick answers guys I think I am going to go with the 120gb 512mb version and upgrade from there, as it seems to make most sense. I've built/repaired computers for several years so it should be cake, hopefully

I was hoping to get a 6 cell but it doesn't look like its gonna happen, so i'll just go with the 3 cell for now and get a battery whenever they become cheap.

Thanks for the help guys! My next post will be from an AA1