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 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. 
> 
> 
> 
> 

Since I just can't "let things go", just a few more points on this
topic. 

1)  It was suggested to use a pcmcia or usb wireless adapter.  I have
used quite a few, with several different FOSS distros.  The only things
that ever worked (ndiswrapper has never worked for me) was (for Ubuntu)
a Netgear WG511T pcmcia card, with a Toshiba M35X-S109 laptop from 2004
(now deceased); and (for OpenBSD) a Netgear MA111 usb adapter with the
same laptop.  I apolgize for the run-on sentence.  

So please understand my reluctance to experiment further in this regard.
"Burned once, twice shy".  Burned many times . . . 

2) Chris Mohler said: 
"This one works - *BUT* I had to use ndiswrapper.  Fortunately, that's
pretty darn easy in Gutsy - pop in the driver CD and viola!
http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/35284/dell-vostro-1000-notebook-with-154-wide-screen-xga-lcd-display-499-w-free-shipping/ "

I just wonder if we could get a few more details on exactly how that was
done.  That would really be appreciated. 

3)  The politics of peripheral device drivers for FOSS has be discussed
exhaustively here and elsewhere in the community for some time.  I did
not intend to start a "food fight" by by original post.  I'm sorry, and
"Can't we all just get along?"