Three AA1/netbook distros discussed: Joli, Kuki, Crunchbang

Kuki + AA1 kernel
Crunchbang (and optional AA1 Kernel)
Jolicloud (just ran from the USB key)

Well Kuki with the AA1 kernel is what I'm using on the ZG5 now (512MB RAM, not upgradable because of marred/overly tightened screws). It's nice. Less demanding than NBR with Gnome (uses XFCE) and it just works. I had to do a couple of tweaks and well, I'm pretty sure it used to boot quicker (I'm on my second install after crunchbang). But it works and well, it's essentially Ubuntu with XFCE and after a couple of tweaks it's very well adapated to the AA1. Overall if it's the only one you ever tried (aside from Linpus) you probably won't be disappointed.

Crunchbang is a little bit snappier and more... naked. I like openbox actually. Again it works fine, and after the few usual tweaks everything's ok. I think it's one I'll try again more extensively.

Jolicloud I only tried through the USB key... but even the wifi light worked, which is pretty impressive. It's quick too. I'm installing it right now to try to see how it works when on the SSD and how well it's compatible with the 1st gen AA1. I'll test the card readers first thing and try the boot up speed.

After Jolicloud I'll get back to Crunchbang.

Anyway... feel free to share your experience with these three distros.

 

Well... Jolicloud got installed for kicks but it didn't impress. It's nice and would be snappier with more RAM but it doesn't offer much more than NBR I felt. It's cute though.

I got back to Kuki + AA1 Kernel. Did a few random tweaks:

Got rid of Midori
Installed the Ubuntuzilla Firefox/got rid of the older build
Installed Chrome as default browser (set shortcut as super + W)
Installed Skype (set shortcut as super + S)
Set show Desktop shortcut as super + D

It's nice. Feels like a lightweight Ubuntu and it works quickly enough for me. I think Kuki's just very well adapted to the AA1s (well, duh...) and not just on paper.

 

I've never heard of Kuki - I should give it a try. If I run into any issues with my Xubuntu install, which I haven't as of yet. I have working sound, wifi, and 1366x768 resolution. Haven't tried the card reader. System is pretty snappy with on average ~400MB memory usage.

 

And I'm back with Crunchbang. Modified it a little and it's AMAZING.

Only the left hand card slot works but I'm ok with that for now. I may try the grub fix for it.
Wifi LED works with the Kuki kernel (which I have installed).
Fn keys work, hardware works, I can use skype with webcam and microphone all ok.

Best OS I tried for it yet. RAM useage is usually under 200MB which is perfect for my puny system.

It's not quite for beginners. Most files need to be edited through configuration text files, and there aren't that many GUI tools for this. But it's easy to get a hang of it and the system feels infinitely modifiable this way.
Openbox is GREAT.