How to set up network on VirtualBox for Android 2.3

I'm trying to install a VirtualBox virtual machine for developing on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but I cannot properly configure the internet connection.

I followed many tutorials on the web and tried to apply some workaround suggested here on StackOverflow (for example Android x86 porting, unable to make it work ), but I still can't connect from my Android machine.

Some details:

When I execute netcfg on android console it returns only the lo interface (127.0.0.1).
The iso image I'm using is "android-x86-2.3-RC1-asus_laptop.iso" downloaded from http://www.android-x86.org/download. I use it on a Lenovo notebook with Windows 7 (but I've tried also on Ubuntu 11.04 Natty).
I've tried to setup both host-only and bridged interface on my virtual machine, but they don't seem to work.

Solution

If you are going to be using VirtualBox, you need to use the eeepc.iso image not the asus-laptop.iso image.

Also, you will want to double check a few settings on your VM to make sure they are configured correctly:

OS Type: Linux 2.6
Memory: 256MB or more
Sound: Sound Blaster 16
Network: NAT or Bridged, the adapter must be PC-net-FAST III

From http://www.android-x86.org/documents/virtualboxhowto

I also found the following two things to be very helpful:

Disable Mouse Integration (under the Machine Menu)
Once the VM has started, open the app drawer and launch Settings. Find the ethernet section and enable it. You should see an eth0 device you can configure.