Specific steps for installing on Inspiron 8600c

[grx]

I just recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 8600c, and would like to install linux on it (of course). I have some experience with installing/using linux, and would like to move to gentoo. I've been looking at the online book and the forums here, but I was wondering if those of you who have installed gentoo on an 8600 could help me put together a list of everything that needs to be done to make sure gentoo is running and using the features included on the machine.

Here's my laptop's configuration:

Pentium-M 1.6GHz
15.4 WSXGA+ Screen
512 MB RAM
64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
60GB Hard Drive
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 b/g

From what I've seen, the tricks are going to be the ACPI management (still not quite sure what it is/does, but I guess the CPU frequency changes and fan are involved), the widescreen configuration for X, and the wireless card. Am I right in assuming these aren't going to work "out of the box" and that I'll have to tweak the settings to get them to work right? Is there anything else that might need to be looked at before I try to install?

Last question--is there a way to install from 2004.3 using gcc 3.4.3 so that -march=pentium-m can be used?

Thanks!

[kimchi_sg]

[grx]

Thanks--that should help out a lot.

Can anyone share their experiences with installing on this machine with me? Something a little more in depth than what I've been able to find so far would be a big help!

Thanks