I just bought a cheapo 486DX laptop, 12Mb ram 250Mb disk.

yes, you know whats coming...
I'd like to install linux.

the only thing i'll really be using it for is web browsing, and emailing. i'm mainly looking for a project.

I have a (PCMCIA) network card for it and internet connection, which may be handy since it doesn't have a CDROM.

Any suggestions of which distro?!?!?
Should I even use Linux??

any thoughts and opinions please!

Craig

Well, I don't think your going to get X installed on there. Not enough space, and one question, how much memory does the video have? To run X windows with GUI interface, I would recommend at least a 2 or 4 mb video and at least 32 megs of system RAM. I don't even think a 250mb hard disk is enough either. You could however get it setup with the basics and browse the web with lynx, a text based terminal browser, that would work. You might want to consider trying a smaller distro like thinlinux, or peanut linux which is only like 50 mb total, then add your own apps.

Good Luck.

You might want to try this site:
http://www.linux-laptop.net/

I'm starting to install a distribution called small linux, it will run quite hapilly on my machine. i've also found an x-server called tinyX, i'll also install Opera web/wap browser and gnokii, this last one will allow me use my mobile to dial up with. I should still have enough room left for a dos partition with all my fav games!
i found a lot of this info on the site suggested above, or just by general searching.
i will keep you updated on my progress!

Craig