larry@portcommodore.com wrote:

> Just got an Acer Travelmate (3255) for running potable LAMP
> development.
>
> After browsing around at the internet and seeing reasonably favorable
> thingas about it (also there are Linux Acer laptops available outside
> the US) it also falling well within the sub $1000 price range, I took
> the plunge and got one. It arrived yesterday, nice basic frills on
> this model, 1.4Ghx Celeron M, 400mghz FSB, Intel Video chipset, AC97
> sound, 15" display, 512MB RAM, 60GB HDD, Win XP Pro, USB, VGA ext,
> integrated 802.11g 10/100 BaseT, modem, and a PC type 1 slot were the
> bulk of the IO, does have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive though. What many
> may find lacking would be parallel, serial, and TV out.
>
> Now the cool bit, I was all geared up ready to battle Windows to eake
> out a portion of the hard drive for Linux only to discover IT'S ALREADY
> PARTITIONED Right down the center, 30 gigs for Windows and 30 was an
> empty FAT32 partition... Even better, XP was installed on FAT32 too
> (which means Linux can visit anytime)! Installation of Suse 9.2 seems
> to be smooth but I havent got the WLAN setup yet but the card is there,
> I just gotta read the manual better. 3d hardware support seems to be
> working, but also no stats on the speed (LAMP system, not much need for
> that).
>
> Anyway, just to pass on a positive review for all the fellow shoppers
> out there, hopefully your milage will not vary; but always check the
> stats of any model for yourself.

looks like sub-500 material to me ( celeron, intel video etc) maybe you paid
$500 for windows*pro.

Probably (wish there was some sub-500 linux based ones widely
available, most 'certified linux' notebooks are listed even higher).
This one's for work and XP is there for emergencies.

As for an update - the wireless card seems to not be high of the list
of the plug it in and go wi-fi cards supported by linux, though from
what I've read with some work it can be made to operate.