Slow RTL8188FTV in Debian/Ubuntu

Since the RTL8188FTV usb WiFi chipset is natively supported by Ubuntu/Debian, I got few for my Ubunut machinies.  The WiFi dongle is indeed detected and works straight away, however it is very slow.

A quick search on Google shows this may be caused by its aggressive power management.  After applying the below to disable its power management feature, its connection/speed is noticeable better.

sudo mkdir -p /etc/modprobe.d/

echo "options rtl8188fu rtw_power_mgnt=0 rtw_enusbss=0" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8188fu.conf

Ubuntu ... where are you?!

I know Ubuntu 11.10 is not a LTS release, but it surely can't be this bad, can it?

One of the reason I upgrade to the new version of Ubuntu is the new version 3 Linux kernel.  However, I do not know where I should point my fingers to, many thinks works well in version 2.x are seriously broken.  For instance, ever since I have upgraded my machines to Ubuntu 11.10, both my laptop and my desktop (okay, both machines use Intel crappy graphics) fails to switch back on the screens after the screen goes into power saving.  I have tried different suggestions from different forums, at the end, I have to disable the power saving (for screen) at least completely (with little success).  Even after I have switched off the options to switch off the screen when idles for both machine, I still having problem at certain situations.  Now, I am really worry each time when I close my laptop lid as I do not know it will come back properly.  There are many time I need to restart the machine complete to regain the screen.

Another problem I have is the sound on my desktop.  It is still broken.  Although the new kernel is certainly running faster and seemingly lighter, I would advise you to stay on the old version of Ubuntu if you can.