Want to install Ubuntu on an Eee PC, but don’t want to go through the trouble of downloading and installing the operating system all by your lonesome? The folks behind the Ubuntu Eee project will soon be offering up a 4GB SD card with the operating system preloaded. This isn’t a memory stick that you can use to install the operating system — it will already be installed. All you have to do is pop it into your Eee PC, choose the SD card from the boot menu, and you’ll be running a custom version of Ubuntu designed for the Eee PC.

The cards are currently available for “pre-order.” All you have to do is donate $50 or more to the open source project.  In return you’ll get a shiny new 4GB Class 6 SD card with Ubuntu Eee and a cute little Ubuntu Eee logo. While you could certainly pick up a cheaper 4GB card and install Ubuntu Eee PC yourself, the idea is to make the process as simple and painless as possible.

Right now it looks like there will only be a limited supply of Ubuntu Eee SD cards. Developer Jon Ramvi says he’s only purchased 10 blank cards. But if they sell out quickly, I’m sure we can convince him to produce a few more.

Keep in mind, Ubuntu Eee is designed specifically for the Eee PC. It will probably not work as well on other devices due to hardware differences. 

[via Linux Loop]

While anyone can install Ubuntu Linux on an Eee PC, you need to do a little tweaking to get the WiFi working. And if you want the Fn keys to let you adjust the volume and screen brightness, that’s a little more tweaking. Shortly after the Eee PC was releeased last year, OasisBob at the EeeUser forums put together eeeXubuntu, a custom version of Xubuntu designed to work out of the box with the Eee PC, adding support for the computer’s hardware.