After a long struggle with linux and the philips x56 I have managed to install
openSuSE 10.2 with wifi and 1280x800 and full 3d eye candy with beryl

First arm yourself with an openSuse 10.2 dvd and an alternate install cd of ubuntu or kubuntu or xubuntu it does not matter which as long as it's the alternate cd as this includes a usable console hidden behind the text installer

OK boot the suse dvd and choose installation do not press enter yet first type

brokenmodules=8139too

The above command will allow the installer to work bypassing the wired ethernet
continue until reboot BUT take note of the partition you install suse into as you will need to mount it later, mine was sda3 formatted as ext3

After suse is installed and it reboots (suse will not boot at this time until 2 modules are removed) take out the suse dvd and insert your chosen ubuntu alternate cd choose text install

Once the installer loads press ALT+F2 then ENTER for a console

Make a directory to mount the suse partition with
mkdir /mnt/suse

Mount the suse partition (change sda3 to your hard drive partition)
mount -t ext3 /dev/sda3 /mnt/suse

Remove the wired ethernet module with

rm /mnt/suse/lib/modules/2.6.18.2-34-default/kernel/drivers/net/8139too.ko

Remove the SD card module with

rm /mnt/suse/lib/modules/2.6.18.2-34-default/kernel/drivers/mmc/sdhci.ko

Reboot and enjoy the wonderful glory that is openSuSE 10.2

Use 915resolution to set the display to 1280 x 800