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    Debian 64bit on Clevo M570RU-U

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Quantumstate, May 1, 2008.

  1. Quantumstate

    Quantumstate Notebook Geek

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    Is anyone using a 64 bit Linux distro on any of the newer notebooks?

    I am particularly curious about having adequate drivers for things like the fingerprint readers, webcams, HDMI, TV tuner, firewire, etc. And how are apps handled? Are there 64 bit versions of most apps, or are the 32bit versions run in 'compatibility' mode? Do you see 4GB+ of RAM? How does performance compare with 32 bit? Is XFS still the best filesystem? What kinds of problems are there with 64bit Intel Linux? Stability? Speed? Sacrifices?

    I know everyone's crazy about 'Ubongo', but I've been happy with Debian for ten years so that's what I am sticking with.
     
    Quantumstate, May 1, 2008
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  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    I'm not using it on a Clevo, but I do have 64bit Hardy on my work and personal laptops.

    The fingerprint readers are so-so, and even under Windows are hardly secure. But I do know that Thinkpad finger-readers are somewhat supported, so you may have good luck there. Webcams are currently a sore point across the board from my understanding, but haven't tested it on my Compal HGL30 since installing Hardy (yes, I use "ubongo" because it's easier to get a desktop up than with Debian IMHO). HDMI is almost universally supported (NOT the DRM'd crap, just the interface), TV tuners you have to check the chipset. It's hit or miss, but fortunately more hit than miss any more. Firewire is perfectly fine. Pretty much all open-source apps run perfectly in native 64bit mode. Things like Flash will run in 32bit mode, usually using a wrapper stub like nsplugin so they work in 64bit browsers. Yes, you see 4GB+ of RAM... you see however much you have installed... if you buy good hardware, Linux will generally make better use of it than Windows ;) The performance is generally faster than under 32bit, except that apps use a little more memory since addresses are now 64 instead of 32 bits, so it's a trade-ff. Usually faster, sometimes slower, nothing you'll notice without benchmarks showing the 1-2% difference either way. XFS, I have no idea... I typically use EXT3 since it's the most common one and performs well enough for me. Filesystems are pretty much agnostic when it comes to 32 vs. 64bit software as far as I know.
     
    Pitabred, May 2, 2008
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