Samsung X520

Tested Samsung X520-JA02IT under Ubuntu 9.10 - Karmic Koala

Author(s)

Elfantin (mikspace-linux@yahoo.co.uk)

Introduction

A new laptop (as of Nov. 2009), mounting the low voltage Intel processors, claiming over 8 hours of battery life. Comes with Win7. Very light and slim. LCD lit by LED. Has HDMI, VGA and 3 USBs. Plus 3 in 1 card reader. Can boot from USB. Uses Phoenix BIOS. DOES NOT have an optical drive ¹⁾. Includes numeric keypad. Italian version tested (hence the IT at the end of the model number).

Tried under Ubuntu 9.10 - Karmic Koala

This page is just for discussing using Linux on the Samsung X520. For a general discussion about this laptop you can visit the Samsung X520 page on LapWik.

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Specifications

For full specifications see the Samsung X520 specifications page.

Name	Samsung X520-JA02IT
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
Screen	15.6” 1366×768 16:9
RAM	4 GB DDR3
HDD	320 GB 5400rpm SATA
Optical Drive	NONE
Graphics	Intel GMA 4500MHD
Network	Ethernet: 10/100, Wireless: 802.11 bgn, Bluetooth: NONE

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes	Brightness cannot be adjusted with Fn keys
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	NOT PRESENT
Graphics	Yes	3D Compiz effects work out of the box
Sound	Yes	Volume can be adjusted with Fn keys. Mic started off muted, used Volume control to activate it. Headphones in alsamixer are actually the main speakers.
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Not Tested	Cannot be switched off with Fn keys
USB	Yes
Card Reader	Yes	Autodetected/automounted SD card upon insertion
Camera	Yes	Works in Skype out-of-the-box

Notes

Very nice machine, mind the absence of the optical unit. Tested for a few days only.

Summary

Altogether highly satisfactory. Only not all Fn keys work. Also advanced touchpad gestures don't work (scroll using the edges works, but no zooming nor rotating).

¹⁾ This is true for the Italian models. UK versions HAVE DVDRW