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Asus A8Js
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Asus A8Js laptop. This is a high end laptop with a good set of features. Linux support can be a little tricky.
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 | Asus A8Js |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz |
| Screen | 14” WXGA+ |
| RAM | 1GB |
| HDD | 120GB or 160GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce Go 7700 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth |
| Other | 5 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Webcam |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw3945 module |
| Bluetooth | Yes | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Yes | |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
| Camera | Yes |
Notes
For the Nvidia GeForce Go 7700 you can use either the open source 'nv' module or NVIDIA's proprietary 'nvidia' module. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide.
For the audio in the A8Js to work you need to add the following into /etc/modprobe.conf (or your Linux distribution's equivalent):
options snd-hda-intel position_fix=1 model=3stack
Ubuntu users should edit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base
The network port on the A8Js is supported by the r1000 driver. Unfortunately most Linux distributions do not include this driver so it will need to be installed manually. You can download the driver here. Although untested, the network card should now be supported by the r8169 driver since kernel version 2.6.19.
Summary
There were no problems in getting the Asus A8Js working when used with an up to date Linux distribution.
Discussion
The heat problem for the CPU and camera can be confirmed by me.
I am using Ubuntu 8.04 and this happens all the time.
Did you every find away to work around the heat issue.
When I watch flash my A8J usually crashes from overheat.
I have recently installed Ubuntu 9.10 on my A8Js without problems except for the WiFi, which is working but with some glitches. I will update if I found a solution.
Hey! How is skype sound (mic) working for ya on a8js/linux?? What can I say, yes webcam heat probs however it broke so no more of that
it was crap res anyway. The plastic broke around the hinges but no big problem. Laptop overheated once no probs just remove dust. It's a good linux laptop but what about sound driver for microphone and skype? What else yes screen reflects more than a mirror in daylight not to be used in bright environment. Turned off touchpad in bios it is just in the way of typing. It has a bit plastic feeling to it. Other than that it has been a nice companion more or less everything works out of the box in linux for me.
I've Ubuntu 7.10 and everything goes well except when I turn my webcam on Skype. The heat is almost always in 89 Celsius degrees an the fan is always on top speed.
So I decided to move to Ubuntu 8.04 and the problem remains. But the bad news is that now, when I watch some divx my laptop goes very hot, up to 84ºC again. :(
Usually the CPU heat is on 59ºC and the GPU is on 65ºC.
If I'm just reading things on web or PDFs, the CPU temperature keeps on 48ºC.
I keep looking for a solution…
Anyone have heat problem with the webcam (can feel it when closing the lid)? I read it somewhere in the ubuntu forum that it's related to the driver. Anyone has any solution?
Works very well! No problems since Ubuntu 7.10 (exept I was a bit noob to install Nvidia drivers, now I'm not…). :)
I've installed ubuntu 8.04 on my asus A8j.
It works quite well, better lighter and faster than wondows xp.
There are a few problems with xd card reader, witch seems unrecognized by the OS.
I'm thinking about moving on ubuntu 8.10.