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

[steve]

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NoOp wrote:
| 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>
|
|
|
|
I dont have experience with realtek, but if you want "easy" wireless in
linux your going to need to stick with intel for now. they have
employees who work ft with kernel development. will work out of the box
every time I have seen.  atheros is also just a one step install of
madwifi. Ive never messed with ndiswrapper, id rather create a stink
with the manufacturer about no linux driver than fudge a windows driver
into working.


- --
Steve Reilly

http://reillyblog.com


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