upon further review of the linux compatibility of the wireless (thanks for posting the chipset used inksdk), it looks like there is good news and bad news. The bad news is Ubuntu support out of the box is apparently finicky. The good news is, it is apparently an easy fix. See here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/810#Atheros%20ath5k%20wireless%20driver%20not%20enabled%20by%20default

Further good news is that mandriva 2009 should support the wireless "out of the box" and without any gripes.

Has anyone that has gotten one of these computers tried a mandriva 2009 or or ubuntu 8.10 liveCD to confirm?

FYI, if anyone still wants one, make sure you call the store directly with the SKU. Showed "unavailable" online at all 3 local stores, but all had them when I called (just got back from picking one up).

divinewisdom said:anyone know where to get cheap memory upgrade for this?
Don't be lazy. I've seen posts right here on fw the last couple of weeks (and bought!) 2x2GB ddr2 sodimm for $18.99 ar.

I have a serious question. I'm new to fatwallet and would like to know if I purchased this computer for my 12-year, soon to be 13-year old, would she be happy. She's been asking for a laptop lately and I wanted to surprise her for Xmas. Will this laptop allow her to get online and chat w/friends on myspace, play SIMS and I spy games? If it does, this is the game for me. If not, I'll have to find another one.
Thanks.

pugster said:Personally the deal at WalMart for the celeron laptop is much better deal, more memory, bigger hard drive, microphone plus webcam. Although the dealbreaker was the single core processors that we start to see. Even last year most of the pc's have dual core pentiums.

Yeah, if I were choosing which laptop to buy, Id go for the Compaq for the same reason. The Compaq deal offers the most bang for the buck! The second best deal would be the OP's emachines deal. great find!

topocelot said:I have a couple of questions, and I would like to preface it by saying I know very little about computer specs. I presently have an IBM Thinkpad T42 for work, have had it for 2.5 years, and someone had it before then, so it is prob at least 3 years old. From what I can gather, it has a Pentium M processor w/ 1.8 Ghz, has 1 GB of Ram, a 64GB HD, and is running Windows XP Pro Version 2002 (Svc pack 2).

Question 1) How would this emachine compare as far as surfing speed? I find that the Thinkpad is plenty fast, websites load almost instantly. I am just tired of lugging the thing home every night just so I can read email, manage my fantasy football teams, and play cd's. I would also like to burn dvds.

Comparable speed. Just make sure to add more memory or install XP.

Question 2) How would one get rid of Vista, and add XP? Would I have to deinstall Vista, and purchase XP? Would this even be necessary?
Purchase a copy of XP, or get a copy from a friend (albeit thats illegal). Slipstream the drivers onto the XP disc so the computer can be installed with XP. Unfortunately Im still trying to install XP with the computer drivers on another Vista computer. Im sure its doable, but Im not the geekiest. You should ask in the Computers forum so wise members can give you better answers than me.

Question 3) How does one add memory to a laptop? I have done this to a desktop before, but with a laptop can you actually take the case off and poke around inside, or can you snap the memory in the side as you would a cd rom?
Unscrew the memory cover and pull apart the connectors (I think theyre called that). Insert the memory and youre good! Geek Squad and other stores' services can do it for you if you dont mind paying for it, but I think one can do it himself/herself and save some dough. Id be self-reliant as well.

I am really thinking of pulling the trigger on this emachine laptop. It's not that I can't afford something nicer, I just don't want to pay for functionality I don't need.

Thanks Fat Walleters for your help!

P.S.: I know a thing or two about computers, but I admit Im not the geekiest. Trust me, its one of the best buys out there. Its gonna sell fast. Id say go for it if youre not going to get the Compaq at WalMart.

This laptop, along with the emachine A2650e deskop on sale this week for $299 with 18.5" monitor, will probably be Black Friday "cheapies."

I can't understand why emachine/Acer put XP on the slim desktop and NOT on the laptop. That laptop would work really well under XP.

As a Gateway $250 laptop (ML2650?) owner from last year's Best Buy fun and games, I can attest to the XP difference in speed and ability over crappy Vista Basic.

avgary said:

I can't understand why emachine/Acer put XP on the slim desktop and NOT on the laptop. That laptop would work really well under XP.Its not eMachines, Microsoft will not allow any Mfr to put XP on anything other than netbook type PC/laptops.

Bought this from BB last night, sales guy said theyre very slow moving, virtually no interest at all.
Anyways picked up one, plan to format and install XP Pro and add a stick of 1GB ram.
Any idea where I can find XP drivers for this puppy?

Crap the video driver for XP is a dead link on the drivers page :http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?param=EMD620&st=pn
Any idea where I can find the video drivers?