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

[Default User]

On Tue, 2008-01-29 at 20:03 -0600, 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. 
> 
> 
> 
> 

Okay ...  so it looks like the answer is no.  Well, thanks to all who
took the time to reply and give advice.  

So the laptop goes back.  BTW, just for laughs, I tried once more to get
a Netgear MA111 usb wireless adapter to work on a Ubuntu 7.10 desktop
computer.  No luck with either ndiswrapper or the prism driver, although
the ethernet connection works fine, as always.  

Now I am reminded of why almost every one still bends over for
Microsoft.  At least their lives are not defined by the limits of how
far their ethernet cable will stretch.