Nice laptop; interesting problem. :) Have you tried Knoppix? Does it boot on it? Does the NIC work, etc?
Ubuntu? Kanotix? Xandros? Any of those might give you some clues. What kernel were you trying to use? 2.6.8 is the default in Sarge, IIRC, but 2.6.12 is in testing, and 2.6.13 in experimental. They might have better hardware support.
