[NTLUG:Discuss] opensuse 11.2 install issues

[Monty Shinn]

Greetings.

I am trying to install opensuse 11.2 32bit on a box that has a 3ware
9550SX raid card.  The install hangs up while starting udev.  Upon more
snooping, it looks like the installer is trying to reset the 3ware card,
but isn't able to.

I have tried another 3ware card (9500) with no difference.  I have also
unloaded the pci buss.

The error is "command timed out, resetting card".  It will do this 3
times, then say "device offline", and proceed to start the installer. 
It does seem to recognize the card and the firmware installed.

I am able to see the hard drives in the 3ware utility at startup.  The
system boots fine into Fedora 4, which was installed on the box before
attempting to install opensuse.

I have google'd, searched 3ware, and looked at the release notes on
opensuse's website to no avail.

>>begin rant<<

Is it me, or is it increasingly difficult to find a solid, usable linux
desktop these days?  I've run Fedora/Redhat for years now, but was tired
of the rapid update process involved in Fedora.  I've heard good things
about opensuse, but here I am.  It's not like I am using cutting edge
hardware here.  Shouldn't this just work?  It's not like I am trying to
do anything esoteric here.

I downloaded the 11.2 RC2 distro, and installed it with no problems,
although that was on a test box that didn't have a 3ware card.

Perhaps I should just install CentOS and be done.  Lord help me getting
mp3's and quicktimes to play out...

I'm downloading Kubuntu now.  We'll see...

>>end rant<<

Any thoughts?

Thanks as always.

Monty