cheap ubuntu laptop with wireless that works right "out of the box".

[Sam Fielder]

Default User wrote:
> Hello! 
>
> I just purchased a Toshiba Satellite laptop, model A205-S5804, from a
> local big box store.  Price $449 USD (which is why I bought it).  Here
> are the specs: 
>
> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/rdet.jsp?seg=HHO&poid=403617
>
> Unfortunately, the wireless doesn't seem to work under ubuntu right out
> of the box, and maybe not at all. See:
>
> http://ubuntu-utah.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4191499
>
> For a laptop, that is a deal breaker.
>
> Wisely, I have not opened the box yet, so as to avoid a 15% "re-stocking
> fee" if returned.  If indeed the wireless doesn't work without pulling
> teeth, it is definitely going back. 
>
> I really need a laptop that will run ubuntu, with wireless connectivity
> that works "right out of the box", with no tinkering or setup needed (no
> ndiswrapper, etc).  But I cannot justify spending $729+ for a Dell
> Inspiron with Ubuntu, or even $699+ for a System76 unit.  I can install
> ubuntu myself, with no problem. But I just can't fight anymore with
> ubuntu laptop wireless problems. Been there, done that (too much agony,
> I quit).
>
> So, does anyone know of a laptop that will run ubuntu, with wireless
> connectivity that works "right out of the box", for $500 USD or less?  
>
> Thanks. 
>
>
>
>
>   
Dell has a great outlet store where they sell s&d, refurbs, customer 
returns.
you can't customize them but if you know what you're looking for you can 
get a great deal. they have the same warranties as the retail models.
go here: 
http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh 
<http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh>
you can filter by price
the list changes all the time, but there are @50 15" laptops right now 
under $500
as far as network cards i have the dell 1490 and it works like a dream, 
but i believe the 1390 is basically the same and also works fine. i 
would just stay away from the intel wireless cards they sort-of  work, 
but can also give a headache.

hope that helps

sam

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