Linux on old laptop - still trying...

[Drew Van Zandt]

Very weird... I've installed Debian in less than 512 MB with X.  (On a
CF card, actually.)  I'd recommend a very minimal initial install,
then apt-get (or whatever) only the things you specifically need.

(I've done an install in 256 MB CF, but had to do some install-time
gymnastics to do so...I forget exactly what, it involved hopping to
another console and yanking some junk it seemed to insist on
installing even though it wasn't needed.)

--DTVZ