Ubuntu 8.04 (as the only operating system) on my grand-daughter's
Gateway MA7 laptop installed and has worked in every way I've used it.
Obviously, there's vast differences between platforms. At it's best
my Acer Aspire made me fight my way into Wi-Fi hot spots regardless of
operating systems. The Gateway usually has the connection working
before I click on Firefox. Usually, that one click on Firefox gets
everything ready for the hot-spot's "accept" screen—no hassles.

Perhaps the reputation hanging on some cheesier and poorly-documented
Wi-Fi chips will reduce their manufacturers' business. Hopefully,
those manufactures to clean up products or drop out.