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

[Chris Mohler]

On Jan 31, 2008 11:13 AM, Default User <xyzzyx at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> 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.

I'll double-check when I get home (the wife's laptop), but IIRC I
installed the ndiswrapper GUI in synaptic, opened the dialog, selected
the driver from the Dell install disc, and I was off to the races.  It
was painless...

Alternatively:
Buy yourself one of these: (~$40)
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=179211

Plug it in.

Done.  I keep one of these with my laptop anyway - the signal is
stronger than the built-in wireless.

Chris