Asus W3j Linux Support

I am in the market for a new laptop and the Asus W3j is high on my list. It's not definate that I would run Linux on it, but it would be good to know how it works on it. I started this thread because there was no other thread on the subject. My main curiousities revolve around the wireless (how to turn it off to save power) and media buttons (which ones work by default or can be assigned). Other issues may arise as discussion continues, so please feel free to deviate down any Linux path you'd like the pertains to this laptop.

To get things started, I've been told that the A3j doesn't have a hardware wireless switch/button, which doesn't bode well for use in Linux. If this is true, then there will need to be software in order to turn off the wireless adapter. It would be nice to be able to turn off the adapter to save power.

 

I have the V6j and have played in linux with it (Ubuntu, both 5.10 and the newest, i forget the number) but the wireless button worked to turn the card on and off. I never really have spent the time to get the software working to connect easily and use wireless well, but the card did work. I think you will be able to program the media buttons, they won't work default the way they do in Windows with Linux.

P.S. - I used to have a zt3010us, it was a nice computer, but you will ike the upgrade to an Asus.

 

if you want linux, you really need an nVidia gfx card, not ATI
trust me

 

That's a pretty good point and I will consider it. I'm not really dead set on using Linux (at least not full time) and I have dealt with ATI in linux in the past.

At this point I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do, I might just hold off longer with my current laptop as I'm going to be moving into an apartment soon and need to spend money on furnature and tuition. Once I get past those areas, I will start looking again at the ASUS W3J, Compal HGL30, Apple Macbook, or their successors.

 

All your hardware on your V6J was compatible with Ubuntu?

 

Well my v6v works very well. U need some teawks ofcorse.
And u CAN use a ati card on it, is not the end of the world trust me. Even u can play games on cedega, less problems with nvidia but u can play on a ati trust me.
w3j seams to be a good notebook to work with linux, u can give it a try

 

The W3J has pretty decent Linux support. Sure it has an ATI card, but really... it's not a HUGE deal. ATI cards are still very much usable... just not as powerful in Linux due to crappy driver support.

I'm sure with Ubuntu Feisty coming out in a couple of days... support for the W3J will be even better.

 

I can't wait till 7.04!

 

You and me both!

 

sabayon works fine with this w3j, with the exception of sound.