Browse through LQ's linux laptops forum as well, that might be useful.

Pretend you are writing an paragraph for school, not a rambly conversation- it might help you come across clearer, and people might be able to help you.

Persevere! For me, part of linux is the extreme satisfaction you get when it works.

titanium_geek

(please do not turn this thread into "linux needs less flavours/distros" or "better docs" those are really pointless circular arguments. )

I has similar problems with my laptop after i started to use the kubuntu herd and surprisingly my wireless worked out of the box and my Ethernet and my sound and everything else...

Just remeber when discussing Linux Drivers that it is NOT the fault of Linux, nor the fault of the people that write the documentation, nor the people that write the Drivers for Linux.

The entire problem with drivers on Linux can be traced DIRECTLY back to the hardware manufacturers that refuse to provide Drivers, Support, Documented information on their hardware and it's driver interface, so that proper drivers can be written for Linux..

Ranting at anyone on the Linux side is way off base when your ire should be aimed at those that manufacture the hardware and refuse to provide proper support to the developers..

It's also a good idea for YOU to invest the time and research what is supported and what isn't before purchasing hardware and just expecting it to work..

In the mean time searching resources such as http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ or http://tuxmobil.org/mylaptops.html you may find someone else that has your same model of laptop with directions on how they overcame the same hurdles you are facing..

Best of luck