In general we know only too well that to choose a computer that make us turn a GNU / Linux is anything but easy. Ideally, if you do not order online, take a tour of the shops, take the features, access the Internet with the first available connection (or as I did with the N900 directly in front of the shelf ...) and with the help of google search for any compatibility issues that model or its components with the Linux kernel. In my case, Vaio VPCS11E7E, I must say I was lucky because of the relatively young age of the components with which this new laptop is built. The features are unbeatable and at the level of MacBook Pro (if not better ...) but with a price hovers around without ashamed of half the bitten apple: LED-backlit display, backlit keyboard, Intel Core i3 with Nvidia graphics card with 310M CUDA, VGA video output (the classic 15-pin) and HDMI. All this comes with two front entrances to SD memory cards and memory stick (well, ...), is a Sony DVD burner, removable battery, fingerprint reader (useless even on Windows) interface and iLink (firewire) to capture video from digital camcorders. The operating system required is Windows 7 that despite the apparent good will mail from Microsoft to improve and simplify the use in comparison to Vista, continues to present limitations in the ridiculous range of settings and in the language, made it easier and less detail. Are indisputable but the improvements in terms of performance compared to its predecessor. Unfortunately, I can see that with openSUSE owners and drivers released a few weeks ago, that officially support the chipset used in this computer, nor will the HDMI output analog video output for a monitor external damage signs of life. Same thing for the internal microphone, the management of the backlight of the display adapter for Memory Stick and enable the bluetooth chip (which works, but it can not be operated on / off if not from Windows). All these options are, of course, immediately run on Windows. Nothing strange, even the sound worked at first start of openSUSE, but a little research on the internet, as usual, is the key to all solutions, and after updating alsa driver to the latest version here in the audio output that is working well. The webcam works on openSUSE, sin lacks a stable software to capture video frames or small easily and fast.
Video external
The thing that left me more puzzled, however, is the inability of the Nvidia driver to handle the video output options. It is really irritating that the card mounted on the laptop is explicitly supported by drivers that do not support all the features! The use of HDMI is one of the reasons that led me not to wait indefinitely for the new MacBook Pro and although I am more than happy with the choice (to not expect) are still forced to use Windows if I want to connect your PC to an external monitor! I hope that Nvidia will solve the problem as soon as possible.
Power
Yet another problem quite irritating, and that unfortunately occurs at the kernel level, is the lack of notification to user space programs of the connection / disconnection of the power cord! In fact, a strange thing happens: when you start your PC using the battery power status icon KDE correctly states that the power supply is disconnected and the battery is being downloaded. If at this point is connected to the battery power is indicated "in charge" but the power is still disconnected! Bottom line: the profile is always that of the savings until you change it by hand, and all events as energy management the disabling effects of PC graphics or hibernation are also retraced back! For example, if the scheme is to lock the screen and go into hibernation when the battery reaches 5 percent this happens both during the charging of the battery, giving you time to get the power and do not lose their job during the charging the battery back on standby when the battery will increase from 3% to 5%, but the management of KDE feels that the power is off! Unfortunately there is no solution KDE side, but the problem is inherent in the kernel-level management.
In conclusion, the machine is a jewel of technology, and working with openSUSE is really the feeling of a stable, fast and reliable. It takes a bit as usual 'in time for the Open Source world in adapting to new market (openSUSE 11.2 was already out when this model was announced) and 11.3 of the former is more appropriate to run on this Laptop. Many of the problems I have encountered have been resolved, making this machine an ideal platform for openSUSE. To summarize and possibly in the future to update this list after the installation of openSUSE 11.2 malfunctions on this Sony Vaio VPCS11E7E with updates 11.3:
-
No audioresolved by updating alsa drivers. It works now with openSUSE 11.3 microphone inside - HDMI and VGA outputs Available modifying Xorg.conf
- Inability to manage the backlight of the display (it does not work on Windows ...)
- KDE battery applet is not able to update the status of the charger
0 comments:
Post a Comment