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

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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
>
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