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 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 >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------- >>> 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 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 This email's random fortune: --------------------------------------------------- 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