You should be able to test the latest Alpha for Intrepid via a LiveCD so there shouldn't be any risk to your existing system/setup. Also, before you do that can you try installing the linxu-backports-modules package for Hardy. It has an updated version of the rt2x00 drivers from serialmonkey which may help your situation. Thanks.
Thanks Gary.
You should be able to test the latest Alpha for Intrepid via a LiveCD so there shouldn't be any risk to your existing system/setup. Also, before you do that can you try installing the linxu-backports -modules package for Hardy. It has an updated version of the rt2x00 drivers from serialmonkey which may help your situation. Thanks.