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    Ubuntu 8.10 on VAIO SR290

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by go_ahead_ed, Dec 7, 2008.

  1. go_ahead_ed

    go_ahead_ed Notebook Consultant

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    I wanted to share my success with installing Ubuntu 8.10 x64 (dual boot w/Vista) on my new SR290. I originally purchased a SR240 with Intel motherboard graphics but Ubuntu didn't like it so I sold it to a friend and bought the SR290 with ATI graphics. Here's how it went:

    I re-partioned the HD before starting using Acronis Disk Director 10.0 since Vista doesn't like GParted messing with it. After booting up the LiveCD I could see that most, if not all the hardware was detected and supported so I proceeded with the installation. I set up the root, home and swap partitons in the available open space using GParted and completed the installation.

    After re-starting, I setup my WiFi connection without any problems and then installed the ATI restricted driver, all available updates, Conky, AWN, lm-sensors, hddtemp, etc. I'm able to see my CPU and HD temps, but no joy with the ATI GPU temp.

    I can adjust/mute sound volume with the Fn keys, but the screen brightness keys don't work. I added the brightness applet to the top panel and it works fine so that's good.

    The touchpad works well, with the righthand side scrolling functioning just like in Vista. Sensitivity seems about the same.

    I haven't tried the Bluetooth functions yet, but the hardware is detected and seems to be running.

    Battery life is shorter in Ibex than in Vista, but overall temperatures are about the same. Battery charging works ok too. When I disconnect the AC power, the display auto-dims, but the panel applet will bring it back up if I want it. The panel auto-dims when I leave the notebook alone for a minute or two.

    Suspend-on-lid-closing seems to work pretty good so far.

    Here's a screenshot:
     

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    go_ahead_ed, Dec 7, 2008
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  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Good choice in terms of Linux-friendly hardware. ;)
     
    Bog, Dec 7, 2008
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  3. go_ahead_ed

    go_ahead_ed Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks! I'm pleased with how it's all worked out so far :D
     
    go_ahead_ed, Dec 7, 2008
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  4. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    Anyone know when they'll be in stock at the sony style CANADIAN website.

    It figures they'd be out of stock. Canada has to be the worst country for stocking computer hardware. No manufacturer cares about this country. In Canada, the Staples store is always out of stock of stuff or overprices everything.

    The SR290CTO looks like what I'm looking for.

    I'm comparing the Sony to HP to Lenovo laptops now. I've narrowed it down to those although I might include an Asus laptop to the mix.

    But, the Sony SR290CTO price is acceptable. Even the crappy Canadian price (in terms of Canadian currency).
     
    puter1, Dec 7, 2008
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