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Asus U36JC
Introduction
This is a compatibility guide to running Linux with the Asus U36JC laptop.
This page is just for discussing using Linux on the Asus U36JC. For a general discussion about this laptop you can visit the Asus U36JC page on LapWik.
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Specifications
For full specifications see the Asus U36JC specifications page.
| Name | Asus U36JC |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5 460M/480M 2.66 GHz ~ 2.53 GHz Intel® Core™ i3 380M/390M 2.53 GHz |
| Screen | 13.3” (1366×768) Widescreen |
| RAM | Up to 4GB |
| HDD | up to 640GB |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet 802.11 b/g/n or 802.11 b/g |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Works | |
| HDD | Works | |
| Graphics | Patial | See notes |
| Sound | Works | (was marked “partial” before (typo?), please test!) |
| Ethernet | Works | |
| Wireless | Works | |
| Bluetooth | Works | Works with kernel 3.0 or greater |
| Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Partial | See notes |
| Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| Webcam | Works |
Notes
Graphics
This laptop uses the “Optimus” NVIDIA feature to include both Intel and NVIDIA graphics in the laptop. This feature doesn't work properly with Linux yet so your best bet is to disable the NVIDIA portion and stick with the Intel. Here are the instruction in doing so (thanks to Peter for pointing this out):
http://robbyx.net/blog/?p=190
USB3.0
Follow these instruction to get USB3.0 working:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1705406
This may not be necessary in future Linux kernels.
Summary
A bit of work is required to get the Asus U36JC functioning properly but for the most part it works well.
Discussion
Small update….
I upgraded the kernel (apt-get dist-upgrade) to 3.0.0-1-amd64…
Bluetooth is now working (as a result of the kernel upgrade).
USB 3.0 port is now working after using info from this page:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1705406 Not tested with USB 3.0 device yet.
I disabled the nVidia card (to conserve power) while waiting for a more workable Optimus solution, using instructions on this page: http://robbyx.net/blog/?p=190
Estimated battery life jumped by around 2 hours (gnome power manager) after applying the above fix….. not actually tested yet. Power usage dropped from ~18525mW to ~13050mW
Currently writing this on an Asus U36JC running Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). I only installed it yesterday and there are a few minor issues but so far most things are working well.
LMDE installed with out issue….
Screen: The display was detected without issue and is running at the correct resolution.
Graphics: Due to the 'Optimus' configuration on the U36JC (both Intel & nVidia cards are “allways on” by default in Linux). I have been playing with debumblebee (A rewrite of Bumblebee) and ironhide but haven't quite got it working right yet… so battery life is reduced (compared to Windows… not that I've tried it) but this should be fixable. Currently getting 4 - 5 hours. Tip: Do not install proprietary nVidia drivers. They won't work…. unless used in conjuction with other hacks…. see above.
HDD: This model has a 500GB Hybrid HDD and this appears to be wrking well. I did adjust the default setting for head parking to increase HDD lifespan.
Sound: Works out of the box.
Ethernet: Not test yet…. but the card (Realtek RTL8111)is detected and listed in network manager so should be working.
Wireless: Works out of the box.
Bluetooth: Not working (yet)
USB: USB 2.0 ports are working. The USB 3.0 is not working but I have read there is a fox for this.
Card Reader: Not tested yet.
HDMI: Not tested yet.
External VGA: Not tested yet.
Webcam: Working with Gnome apps (Cheese). Webcam is upside down when using 3rd party apps (Skype). Apparently, there is a fix available but I haven't tested this yet.
Touchpad: Works. I was able to configure either two finger scrolling or side scrolling using the conrol centre applet (not on by default). I also enabled touchpad “mouse click” and horizontal scrolling the same way. There is an option to ignore touchpad input while typing…
Function Keys: Most seem to be working: Tested Screen brightness, volume, mute, play, pause, next/prev track, stop, wireless (on/off), sleep…. all work out of the box.
The Fn key to disable the touchpad doesn't have any effect… and theres a few others I haven't tested.
Power: I installed 'Jupiter' to make use of power saving “Super Hybrid Engine” options. This appears to be working but have not tested at length…
Overall, very happy with this laptop and expect to have some of the non-working bits up and running soon.
Comments & questions welcome….