Comment 301 for bug 541511

It is good to see some folk getting 10.04+855GM working using various new kernels, but I expect I am not alone in saying that I am unlikely to load 10.04 on my 855GM Toshiba Satellite A10 (still 9.04 after a poor experience with 9.10 also) until:

1 Upstream release a newer kernel that works really well with 855GM (IF it's possible) and is ...
2 ... cut into Ubuntu 10.04 as a respin, so that I can simply download the CD, install and enjoy

I might just about cope with a special install (boot time options re vesa, 915 nosplash etc), provided that an immediately following update pulls the new kernel and leaves the machine perfect from then on!

I expect there are many who want to convert from the dark side who would not be prepared to do even that.

In the meantime I am actually considering refreshing the Toshiba with a repeat install of 9.04 (I like to do a clean reload every year or so, even with Ubuntu but especially of W... you know what).

If 1 and possibly 2 does not happen, I am likely to move the ~8 year old Toshiba back to its original WXP and find someone else who wants it. I never had any screen trouble with it under WXP.

I believe 855GM has some fundamental flaws, and it certainly has some limitations that have begun to annoy me as high resolution second screens become available, namely its max 2048x2048 virtual display space. For nice intuitive use, you REALLY do want a second screen that is on the right hand side of the desk also to be VIRTUALLY on the right hand side of the laptop screen, and that cannot happen with 855GM if the second screen is more than 1024 wide (hard to get one as small as that now!!).

So for me, perhaps it is time to retire the Toshiba to light duties elsewhere, and move on. Sad for one like me who likes to squeeze the last reasonable drop of use out of everything!! And for me it has been a very good machine.

All the best to the gurus working on this!