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

[NoOp]

On 01/29/2008 06:03 PM, 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. 
> 
> 
> 
> 

Don't feel too bad... almost anyone and *everyone* with a laptop (and
millions of desktops) that have built-in/supplied winmodems are pretty
much screwed by linux/ubuntu with dead modem ports. You at least have a
fighting chance with your wireless...

Realtek appear to have linux drivers, so I think that with some
searching you should be able to get the wifi to work:

<http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false>
<http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=linux+%2BRealtek+802.11b&btnG=Google+Search>