need laptop advice

[Bryan ONeal]

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
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------
> > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
> > http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
> >
>