I would say to go for it on the pre-installed system. It should run out of the box with all needed drivers in place. To my knowledge, X doesn't support hardware in and of itself. So while you may find you want softawre for the console, the platform to add the apps should be in place. Add to that the fact that many popular X programs are really wrappers for a console program and you have more reason to figure the base should be solid. If you find you don't like the installed system, you can always wipe it out. I have never found much problem in wiping a system and starting over. Since that is your other option, figure you only gain and not lose here. I am not sure what problems you have had with X. I have never had any problem with X working right off the install on several computers. But I am sighted, and it may take the use of eyes. Normally, the install of Linux if it includes X will go through some screens to configure X which need someone to confirm or deny that the display works correctly. But with a pre-installed system, that should be done for you. Good luck on your laptop whatever you decide. -- Kirk Wood Cpt.Kirk at 1tree.net ------------------ Seek simplicity -- and distrust it. Alfred North Whitehead