Linux or Windows on Netbook that will only be used for surfing/email/ebaying - help please for confused non-techie!

[Flibbertyjibbet]

I'm still trying to decide on a netbook. There seems to be a price difference on netbooks/laptops the same spec, but cheaper if they use linux.
We have a desktop with windows that dp and I both use for work and anything that needs printing, uploading (pics to truprint etc).
The netbook/notepad will only be used for one to surf/research while the other is hogging the desktop and not for any of the work stuff.
So I'm wondering does it matter whether a notebook uses linux, will it make any difference to performance etc?

Thanks!

We have Linux (Ubuntu) on a laptop that DD uses for homework and surfing, and it's great. I look enviously at how quick it boots up compared to my XP one (my one being the much newer and higher spec one!). I use mine for work, but think am going to take the plunge and upgrade to Ubuntu soon.

She has both Open Office and Symphony on it - which are free Office compatible packages - which allow her to do her homework and give it in in Microsoft word/powerpoint/excel format.

She has picasa on it, and so can organise and print photos on it. The only thing we've found that doesn't work is iTunes, but she only had a shuffle, and there are alternative Linux music applications to try.

It's cheaper because you're not paying for Windows.

Linux is a better OS. We have a linux netbook, and we're very happy with it.

You want to check out the keyboard carefully, though - I find the keys are a bit small for my (medium-sized) fingers. DH would really struggle.

Thank you!
After 10 days of humming and ha-ing I'm going to order one today.
With Linux. I did wonder if its just the cost of the windows that keeps the other ones higher ££. As if microsoft don't make enough!
I have used open office on the desktop before so will download that for the laptop if we do decide to use it for anything worky.

I struggle with any laptop keyboard because I touchtype and the keyboards are smaller and flatter than desktop keyboards so I have to look at the keyboard which really slows me down!

Anything we need typing for like dps estimates and invoices we can do on the desktop with decent keyboard.

I just need a 2nd puter cos we are both self employed and if its an evening when both have invoicing, estimates or emailing to do (and tax returns next month!!) we end up taking turns on the desktop till bedtime and have no 'couple' life. I decided if we have two then one can desktop and the other can email etc on a laptop.

could you use an external keyboard with the laptop? I dock my laptop and have larger monitor and proper keyboard when working at my desk, then just use it as a laptop if I'm browsing in the evening.

oh no thats far too techie for me cosette!
We only have one desk in a chimney alcove in the front room, the desktop screen and keyboard are on that.

It will only be used for browsing evenings - dp is never at home during the day and if I am then I use the desktop to do work stuff, er like I'm doing now

Just want something to sit on the sofa with or take upstairs out of the way when dc's charging about and I can say 'just going to check work email' and get on mumsnet

Or boot dp upstairs with it when its mummy's telly time!