[K12OSN] HP Pavillion

[Peter Scheie]

Is anyone using a recent model HP Pavillion for a server?  We're looking 
at buying a bunch of a1600n models for use as classroom K12LTSP servers. 
  My two concerns are the ethernet chip and the SATA controller and 
disk.  I ask because last year I bought a Compaq (forget the model) for 
use as a K12LTSP 4.2 server for a small office.  It had a Marvel 
ethernet chip and SATA, but during the installation Fedora (Core 4) 
couldn't see the ethernet port and I had a dickens of a time getting it 
to see the SATA drive (I'm not even sure I did get the drive working). 
I ended up taking it back, and after a shouting match with the store 
manager, got them to give me full credit, that is, no restocking fee, 
toward building my own box.  Normally, I do build my own, but in this 
case, brand-name hardware will make acceptance easier.  I'm hoping that 
FC5-based K12LTSP 5 will have better luck.  (I've noticed Ubuntu usually 
does not work with the wireless chip on the latest Compaq laptops.)

I plan to go to Best Buy and run the FC5 Live CD in the Pavillion, but 
if anyone is already running this or a similar system, it would be 
reassuring.

Petre