I've run into the same thing with Windows on multi-core as well. I think, based on pure speculation, that there is a fundamental problem with the way Windows does virtual memory because it seems like it gets disk bound even where there should be enough physical memory. I actually like XP quite a bit, but that is one of the things that gets really annoying. Fortunately, I don't do a lot of CPU heavy things with XP.

Vista might be a bit better about it. I do some pretty heavy CPU stuff on it without getting slogged. Disk heavy tasks still can slam on the brakes though.

Perkins, I bought little Bose buds (pricey) and love 'em.

My brother gave me Koss ones for xmas, and they a) don't hurt (regular ipod ones leave my ears in so much pain and they always fall out), b) are amazing on a plane (but note my previous experience was with default ipod earbuds) and c) the on-cord volume is nice. I can't speak to longevity, as I've only had them since xmas and I don't use them that often. Like these: [link] (I don't know if they are the same model or not. The smallest rubber cover works for me.

My brother gave me Koss ones for xmas, and they a) don't hurt (regular ipod ones leave my ears in so much pain and they always fall out), b) are amazing on a plane (but note my previous experience was with default ipod earbuds) and c) the on-cord volume is nice. I can't speak to longevity, as I've only had them since xmas and I don't use them that often. Like these: [link] (I don't know if they are the same model or not. The smallest rubber cover works for me.

I think that's the brand I recently bought, which I loved until I lost sound in one ear, and then, later that day, both ears. I always eventually lose sound in one ear, but not after a month or so. I'm now using Sony buds I borrowed from my Walkman (yes, Walkman).

I think the iPod buds actually lasted pretty long (for me that means over a year).

You will want to make sure that the wireless chipset in the laptop is supported, asking on ubuntuforums.org would be a good place to check. If it is Intel, you are probably good.

Hmmm. I'm not sure where to find out what wireless chipset the computer has.

Thanks all!

I think the iPod buds actually lasted pretty long (for me that means over a year).

My iphone buds still work fine, but they are starting to loose their padding, which makes them a little less comfortable.

I am in the market for an inexpensive digital voice recorder (I'm getting a press pass for WonderCon and want to be able to do interviews and whatnot). Any recommendations?

P-C, are you sure whatever phone/pda you use doesn't already have that capability?

My phone has voice recording capability, but only for a couple minutes.

Oh, okay. Just didn't want you spendin' money you didn't have to!