if you're booting from the install CD with an installed Xircom RealPort PCMCIA network/modem card the kernel dies. tested with an IBM thinkpad 570. If you pull the PCMCIA card out the install CD boots fine...
Can you re-test in the latest beta kernel? I'm pretty sure this problem is resolved. Also, can you elaborate on what hardware you have exactly? Provide 'lsmod' and 'dmesg' output?
Not seeing this issue at all, so closing out.