When I installed Ubuntu 8.10. I don't like input pads so after the
initial test in Windows I switched to a mouse. Didn't try the scratch
pad until the next day after installing Ubuntu. It didnot work. The pad
seems to be enabled in the Windows control setup area.

Have you or anyone else had trouble with the pad not working after
Ubuntu is installed. It didnot work in Windows or Ubuntu.

You probably don't want to hear this as it is not for the Aspire, but the eeePC.
I have installed dozens of distros including Ubuntu 8.10 and the touchpad always
works. Everything works including wireless and camera. Hibernation does not work
with KDE, but it works with XFCE for some strange reason. You might want to try
the eeeBuntu Netbook Remix. It is made to work with a variety of Netbooks.

http://www.eeebuntu.org/

The standard version is the full version. The NBR version is a simplified GNOME
interface with big icons that occupy the whole desktop.