need laptop advice

[jdawg]

Bryan ONeal wrote:
> You could try using a USB to serial converter for the hardware thus
> vmwere access the USB port and volia, your windows app has a serial
> port. Here is the first item on the google search
> http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp
>
> Also I did not see a serial port on the spec sheet you provided.  
>
> On Fri, 2008-12-05 at 14:55 -0700, Stephen wrote:
>   
>> There is also the netbook option, newegg has a specific category for
>> them. Linux compatability has been good so far.
>>
>> On 12/5/08, jdawg <jdawgaz at cox.net> wrote:
>>     
>>> 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
>>>
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>>>       
>
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omg -- you are right -- there isn't.
thanks a bunch for pointing that out.

i went out to the box that has the serial converter in it, and for 
$20.00 i can get a usb to serial converter that will work.
the electrical specs have to be within a certain tolerance to work with 
the ham unit, and this particular converter has been tested to work.

i suppose now I could do the vm thing (but don't I have to have a 
windoze license to run it in a vm?), so I might as well just dual boot 
then, for the real real small percentage of time i would need to boot in 
windows.

-- 
Happy Trails!
Jerry (K7AZJ)
Hobbit Name: Pimpernel Loamsdown
Registered Linux User: 275424
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