Questions about installing Ubuntu on HP Mini 1000 netbook

Question:

Dear Ubuntu friends,
After trying out Windows 7 for some time I am returning to Ubuntu partially. I'm thinking about getting the HP Mini 1000 netbook for travel, and there's a couple different versions. The Mi edition and the Windows XP edition. I was thinking about getting the Mi edition because it's a lot cheaper with the linux based operating system.

So my questions are..
1. For those who know, or have the HP Mini, are the Mi edition and the XP edition pretty much the exact same computer besides the operating system?

2. Also, assuming I get the HP Mini - Mi Edition, is it possible to remove the Linux based operating system they give me and install Ubuntu from a USB drive (no disk drive)? - I'm assuming yes, but I just wanted to check and see if anyone knew for sure.

3. How well does it run on Ubuntu with 1 gig of ram?

4. If there's a different netbook you would like to recommend I could look at that can run ubuntu, it would be greatly appreciated :]

Thanks!

Answer:

I have an HP mini 1000 series netbook. I like it alot. I'm currently running linux mint tweaked for netbookage. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

1. I think some of them come with bluetooth and some do not. I'm not sure if there are any other differences. Best to double check with HP.

2. Yes you can easily install ubuntu over the distro it comes with using a USB key. HP provides a downloadable image if you ever want to reinstall their distro.

3. Runs ubuntu and ubuntu based distros very well with only 1 gb ram. I don't think it's ever used over 512mb. I'd stick with Hardy or Intrepid though. There are a few problems with Jaunty, notably sound and video problems but those can be fixed if you are inclined to do so.

4. I have no experience with other netbooks so I can't really recommend any but this one.

Source: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1189698