Netbooks have been the hot new computer gadget in the past year. Despite having 4-year old processor speeds, the sub-10″ laptops serve exactly as their names imply, to “surf the web”. In theory, they are great for carrying around the city to surf in coffee shops. Some of them even have SSDs that replace the standard platter hard drives. Verizon even offers deals that include a free netbook with your broadband packages.

Unfortunately, most netbooks with SSD’s are unusable without tweaking, because of the inferior MLC’s on the controllers (See Anandtech’s detailed analyses). I spent several hours paring down a Compaq Mini 110C before I could surf the web without hiccuping every 5 seconds. Here is a dirty how-to for tweaking your netbook out of the box (assuming you have Windows XP):

1. Install a RAMdisk immediately. I threw on FlashFire. You can also use another true ramdisk software, but it will require tweaking. This will allocate some of your memory (RAM) for use as temporary hard disk space. While counterintuitive, a ramdisk will serve as fast memory for the SSD buffer.
2. Start removing software. Get a cleaner like CCleaner or RevoUninstaller. You can uninstall them after you’re done cleaning house.
3. The goal is to remove as much junkware as possible, like the Verizon software, and even the HP Wireless utilities. This will indirectly shave down your startup taskbar. Don’t forget M$ Works and Office Demo. You don’t need them. Junk Acrobat for FoxIt if you can. I skimmed off 3-4gb disk space easily. For a 16gb SSD, that is nearly 25%.
4. Install a good firewall. You will likely be using wifi at airports or coffee houses, so block out those trojans and worms. I use Comodo.
5. At this point, you should have a usable, speedy netbook. If you’re a perfectionist, you can refer to the standard WinXP optimization guides on the web (including Bootvis).
6. Don’t forget to install some standard programs, like Firefox.
7. Some guides recommend adding another 1gb of memory. While it may help, the standard 1gb ought to be adequate for basic needs. Moreover, a stick of 2gb DDR2 will typically increase heat production significantly. You may not want that unless you’re a big multitasker.

That’s it! Got more suggestions? Post it below! Having spent several hours on this, I am reminded that this is the aspect of usability that Apple simply blows away its competition in.

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