hi there, im considerably new to linux n am very interested in using linux. i am trying to install linux on my laptop.

im had try to install/use liveCD some linux distro on my laptop and most of them will not display on the laptop's screen, bt if i connect it to an external display (e.g. monitor, projector) the diplay is there and working perfectly.
i tried to switch to laptop display using fn key bt with no success The laptop display did "blinks" (flashing white and black) thou
then with external display attatched, went around and found the display setting window, clicked the detect display(s) button and it just identify the external display only. the laptop display also blinks during the process.

some of the spec of my laptop:
intel core duo t2450
2.5GB RAM
120GB HDD
mobile intel 945 chipset
broadcom 802.11b/g wireless
intel pro/100 ve

the linux distro tried so far
linux mint, ubuntu(gnome, KDE, Xfce), fedora

only 2 distro so far that donot have this problem:
mandriva 2008
CentOS5.4 liveCD

help me please...

sorry if i do not reply in a timely manner, as i do not have constant internet access in my home.
do inform me if u need any more information, thx for your time

Laptop hardware is often esoteric and different driver versions and detection schemes can give different results. As such every distro will probably have a different workaround for the problem you are facing.

You mentioned many distros but you did not tell us which one is it that you actually want to run. Also please do include the version of any distro you mention.

Since you did say that Mandriva & CentOS works, why not stick with them & start from there?

thanks for ur reply

installed centos 5.4 and it works perfectly.
but i am thinking of trying linux mint 8 helena/ubuntu 9.10 karmic koala as it is quite suitable to b a desktop os for beginner.

im a computer engineering student actually, and am currently trying to learn and experience the differences of .rpm and .deb package.

it would b troublesome to try linux mint helena/ubuntu karmic with an external display attached to my laptop all the time.