Ask around and somebody may have a disk. If there is a Linux user's group
(LUG) they can usually supply CDs as Ubuntu provides them with CDs to give
away plus disk labels, etc. Another way to do it is to have someone download
it at work where they might have a faster connection and no limits and copy
the ISO to a usb stick. Also for a little money you cna buy a CD from
www.osdisc.com/.../ubuntu

The Alternate CD is only $1.95 plus shipping and it will allow you to
install Ubuntu with more options than the regular CD.

Finally, you can fiddle with 9.04 and try to get it to work. This was one of
the worst releases and 10.04 is one of the better ones IMO. Remember also
that support for 9.04 runs out next October.

The problems that you mention seem to be more prevalent with some hardware
configurations than with others. You might consider Googling your particular
hardware and Ubuntu 9.04 plus suspend resume.