Try www.Microsupply.com for that laptop, they are local boys and give great customer service. Regards, Robert Delgarbino Chief Information Officer Information & Communication Systems 10812 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Office 480.905.0024 ext 100 Mobile 480.363.9049 robert@managedics.com www.managedics.com    This electronic mail or facsimile transmission contains information from Information & Communication Systems, LLC that may be confidential and/or proprietary. Such information is solely for the intended recipient, and use by any other party is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this message, its contents or any attachments is prohibited.  Any interception, review, retransmission, dissemination, or other use of, or taking of any action upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited by law and may subject them to criminal and/or civil liability. If you received this communication in error, please contact us immediately at (480) 905-0024 or by electronic mail at info@managedics.com and delete the communication from any computer or network system and or shred any paper copies that exist.   -----Original Message----- From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of jdawg Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 2:51 PM To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us Subject: need laptop advice I am in the market for a reasonable laptop. I went to some local places, and I think I can get more laptop for the money online. Background: After about 10 years, I will be forced to do a dual boot situation instead of scrapping windows and just install linux. Linux will be my main OS 99% vs. 1% M$. The reason I can't run Windows in a VM, is that I need to access the serial port in it. I got some software that will access the serial port to upload/download data between my Ham radio, and the Windows application. I need to keep the purchase to around 500.00 mark or less. I know this config will work with Windows, my question is does anyone see anything here that won't work with linux. I really don't have time to research this, so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this laptop or similar that would be difficult? See below for the specs: Jerry I have found this: Dell Inspiron 1525 Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0GHz 3GB 250GB DVD±RW 15.4" Vista Home Basic (Blossom Pattern) Part #: BLM-DELL-1525-5-R Warranty: 1 Year Direct Condition: Refurbished Packaging: Factory Box Ship Weight: 10 lbs Manufacturer: Dell MFG Part #: Model #: Inspiron 1525 Supported By: www.dell.com Qualifies for $1.99 shipping when you spend over $49.99 Use code: SAVEMONEY during checkout! Your Price: $559.99 Qty Get Inspired and compute on the go with this Dell Inspiron 1525! The Dell Inspiron 1525 15.4-inch widescreen notebook is packed with essential features in a slim, compact and blossom pattern design! This Dell Inspiron 1525 is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0 GHz processor and 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM. There's a 250 GB hard drive that provides ample storage space for plenty of music, games, photos, critical data and much more! Plus, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic comes pre-installed. Access CD and DVD media, backup large amounts of data, and burn CDs and DVDs with ease with the DVD±RW drive. Connect to the Internet via the 56K modem, integrated Ethernet, or go wireless and connect via the integrated wireless LAN. There are plenty of I/O ports including HDMI, USB and S-Video for connecting to a TV. Watch movies, work on spreadsheets, and browse the Internet on the stunning 15.4-inch widescreen display. Affordable portable computing can be yours with this Dell Inspiron 1525 15.4-inch widescreen notebook! By law, California shipments of this product are subject to an $8.00 Electronic Waste Recycling Fee Features/Specifications: * Dell Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0 GHz 15.4-inch Widescreen Notebook * General Features: * Blossom pattern case color * Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic pre-installed w/COA * Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0 GHz processor * 3 GB RAM * 250 GB hard drive * DVD±RW drive * Integrated video * Integrated audio with built-in speakers * Modem * Integrated Ethernet * Integrated wireless LAN * Keyboard with TouchPad * 15.4-inch Widescreen Display * Built-in memory card reader * Supported Media: * Secure Digital (SD) * Memory Stick (MS) * Memory Stick Pro (MS PRO) * MultiMedia Card (MMC) * xD-Picture Card (xD) * Expansion slots: * One (1) ExpressCard slot * I/O ports: * Four (4) USB ports * One (1) HDMI port * One (1) S-Video/TV-Out * One (1) 15-pin VGA port * One (1) 4-pin IEEE 1394 FireWire port * RJ-45 Ethernet port * RJ-11 Modem port * Microphone in * Headphone out * Regulatory Approvals: * FCC * UL * CSA * CE * MIC * A-Tick * NOM Package Includes: * Dell Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz 15.4-inch Widescreen Notebook * Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic pre-installed w/COA * Power Adapter (100 - 240V 50/60 Hz) * Power cord * Li-ion battery * Vista Reinstallation DVD * Drivers and Utilities CD * Microsoft Works CD * Roxio Creator DE 10.2 CD Additional Information: * Notes: * Model: Inspiron 1525 -- Happy Trails! Jerry (K7AZJ) Hobbit Name: Pimpernel Loamsdown Registered Linux User: 275424 --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss