I currently use a Macbook (OS 10.5) for all my PD patching. However, as I am primarily focused on using GEM for live video performance alongside musical groups, I am thinking about getting a second laptop for performances (to keep my Macbook safe).

I'm thinking of getting an Acer Aspire One netbook running linux.

I'd like to know the pros and cons of this.

-Will swapping patches between Mac OS and Linux be a problem (I'm guessing no, but I figured I'd ask)?

-I've heard of some problems with VGA out on Linux laptops, is this going to be an issue?

-Does the netbook have enough processing power for general GEM applications? I'm generally not dealing with video files, but rather particle generation, shape manipulation, GIF texturing, and audio-response.

-Are there any other issues that you think of given this scenario? (and if so, what other affordable/really-cheap laptops are there out there that I can run linux on)

The main issues are gonna be with OpenGL: The graphics are on one of those Intel itegrated dealies, rather than the way better ATI or NVidea cards.