FWIW, I've just tried my Edimax PCIMI wireless card on the version of Ubuntu I put on my laptop last year. It recognised it. I just needed to enter a couple of configuration details (eg use DHCP) in a dialog and I was away.

The device I can't get working under Linux on my laptop is the built in dial up modem but that is one of those stupid Winmodems. I gather some will work under the LinModem project but as far as I can remember, I'm on a loser with the particular make that Dell fitted to this one.