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Acer Aspire 4520
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Acer Aspire 4520 laptop. Thanks to Tiago for these details.
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
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Specifications
| Name | Acer Aspire 4520 |
| Processor | AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-52 1.6GHz |
| Screen | 14.1” WXGA Widescreen |
| RAM | 1GB |
| HDD | 120GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce 7000M |
| Network | Nvidia Ethernet, Atheros AR5007EG 802.11bg |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Yes | |
| Card Reader | Yes | |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
| Camera | Yes |
Notes
The NVIDIA driver is supported by both the open source 'nv' module and the proprietary 'nvidia' module. For 3D support you will need to use the proprietary module. See our guides for more details.
You will need to install ALSA version 1.0.16 or later for sound support. Currently no Linux distribution includes this so you will have to manually install it. Again our guides has details about doing this.
For proper hardware support you will need to use kernel version 2.6.20 or greater.
Tiago has further information at http://acer-linux.blogspot.com/.
Summary
The main problem with this laptop is with the need to install the ALSA modules. However this shouldn't pose a problem for most users which makes this laptop a good Linux candidate. The ALSA issues will be release in future Linux releases.
Discussion
I have one of these laptops and except for the internal wi-fi it's fine. I use a Hawking wi-fi fob. I have not tested the (dialup) modem or the Bluetooth. The number one reason I don't use the internal wi-fi is that I lack the needed patience to get and maneuver the damn file into position. With Ubuntu the Hawking fobs work great with their chipset.
Note that I performed “brain surgery” by extricating the original hard drive and putting a new one to put Linux on it. I'm pretty happy with the result. After adding an external battery pack, I have a Frankenstein Laptop!
and for de integrated consumer infrared port? i cant configure it on my Arch Linux =(
me again, I forgot to mention that the ALSA modules come stock with openSuse11.1 works prefect. no configuration needed.
I installed openSuse 11.1 on my Acer aspire4520 and it seams to be working 100% mine has the broadcom chipset for the wireless adapter and i had to use the bcm firmware extractor to get it to work, but it was a simple task. Be sure to have the latest kernel update when installing the Nvidia graphics driver or you may run into problems with a missing nivida module at boot and will cause X to stop with a FATAL: no nivida module loaded, no displays. yea I figured that out quick but it was not a big deal, lol