Ubuntu on the Extensa 5230E?

I downloaded the Windows package of 10.04 and figure I'll give it a shot this weekend. Can't hurt, right?

Has anyone with a Windows 7 Acer laptop, late model, 5xx0E, had any issues getting hardware functions to work under Linux? I don't expect the webcam to work. But I do want other things like my external 24" monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse, speakers, and the internal wireless to work.

I'll update this over the next few days...

 

As I am posting from Firefox within Ubuntu, I'd say it works well. This computer so far has had not a single hiccup connecting to my wireless network, instant messaging my wife, nor doing some of the work things I need to do.

Definitely faster.

Definitely cleaner.

I can see other computers on the network and copy files.

I have easy access to my Windows files at /host.

I'm VERY impressed compared to a bout with Puppy Linux on an old P4 machine last year.

 

One complaint so far: it's a pain in the rear to install broswer plugins...

But the good news is I now have flash and java working fine in both Chrome and Firefox. The built-in Empathy IM client lets me log into as many IM programs and usernames as I need. OpenOffice is a lot better than I remember.

OK, after putting around a bit I think I'll keep her for now.

A second complaint...my laptop's internal webcam works fine. No complaints. My external webcam doesn't work, though. I'm still looking into that. But really if I need video that bad I'll pull my keyboard drawer out and open the laptop.

I can't wait to go find programs to do all the other little things in life I've enjoyed over the past couple of years in Windows. Downloading videos and music off YouTube (FreeStudio tools). Screen recording with my voice recorded through audio and little highlights where my mouse is clicking or pointing (PCHand Screen Recorder). I don't play a lot of games anymore but if I have to get gangsta back in GTA:SA, I can always boot into Windows.