I have recently decided to give linux desktop a go again so installed mint lmde with xcfe onto my laptop. I use my laptop with a projector as a TV so it sits on the top shelve next to the projector. To use it I have a wireless keyboard and mouse. Everything seems to go fine except I have this one issue. When it was running windows 7 I could put it into standby when I went to bed and wake it up again by tapping on the wireless keyboard. Now however it only seems to come out of suspend if I either climb up and open the laptop lid or tap on the laptop keyboard. Is there a way to have the laptop notice the usb keyboard while in suspend mode? If xfce can't do it can kde 4?

I've noticed the same thing with my laptop. When linux suspends to RAM, it turns off all the wireless cards, including Bluetooth.

You can also try unplugging and plugging in the powercord or use a USB keyboard.

Even clicking the mouse won't work. Usually, I just open the lid and close it again.

The desktop type doesn't matter on my system.