I've been considering installing mandrake 10 on my R31 Thinkpad, but unfortunately the only linux drivers I could find for it are those for the Intel parts. I couldn't find anything for the IBM parts such as the IMB High Rate Wireless LAN MiniPCI Combo Card, sound or modem.

Anyhow what I was wondering is if I should just cross my fingers and hope mandrake will already have support for such things, because I don't want to blow out the OS I have on there only to find it's not going to work too well, and I also would rather stay away from dual boot.

Anyhow here is a list of the hardware that is important:

Intel 82830 Graphics Controler - Video

Agere Systems AC'97 Modem

IMB High Rate Wireless LAN MiniPCI Combo Card

Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection

SoundMAX Intergrated Digital Audio

Thanks in advance for any help.

I would suggust that you take a look at:

http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ibm.html

There are several people who are sharing there experince with various forms of Linux on Thinkpads (including the R31 model). I hope that this helps get you to where you want to be.

Thanks that should help a great deal.