Check http://geek.com.

You just missed a great Toshiba from Fry's Electronics for $299.99 CyberMonday sale! [I don't recommend Fry's unless it's on sale, however.]

VMWare has always supported com ports for virtual machines?  Have you tried running a vmware Windows install and attaching to the com port?

You can also run linux in Vmware with a new fast processor running on Windows.  I run two or three Nix in one of my Vmware systems.

www.Obnosis.com |  http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Citations:obnosis |
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=obnosis (503)754-4452
Catch the January PLUG HackFest!   Kristy Westphal, CSO for the Arizona Department of Economic
Security will provide a one hour
presentation on forensics 1/10/09 at UAT.edu.

> Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 14:50:57 -0700
> From: jdawgaz@cox.net
> 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

_________________________________________________________________
Suspicious message? There’s an alert for that. 
http://windowslive.com/Explore/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_broad2_122008