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Sony VAIO TZ
Introduction
This is a compatibility guide to running Linux with the Sony VAIO TZ laptop.
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 | Sony VAIO TZ |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Screen | 11.1” WXGA Widescreen |
| RAM | 1GB to 2GB |
| HDD | 100GB to 320GB or 64GB SSD |
| Optical Drive | Various ( None / MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ-852S / … ) |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 |
| Network | Ethernet, Intel 4965AGN 802.11abgn, Bluetooth |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Tested | Works |
| Screen | Tested | Works |
| HDD | Tested | Works |
| Optical Drive | Tested | Works |
| Graphics | Tested | Problems |
| Sound | Tested | Works |
| Ethernet | Tested | Works |
| Wireless | Tested | Works |
| Bluetooth | Tested | Works |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Tested | Works |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader (SD/MMC) | Tested | Failed |
| Card Reader (MS) | Tested | Works |
| ExpressCard Slot | Tested | Works |
| Fingerprint Reader | Tested | Works |
| Camera | Tested | Works |
Notes
You can enter any specific notes with running Linux on the Sony VAIO TZ here.
2011.10.04 - MKW:
- Debian Wheezy / Kernel 3.0.0-1-686-pae
- Camera - working with separately downloaded driver
- Fingerprint reader - working
- Memory Stick reader - working
- Graphics - works for me
Summary
You can enter a summary of how well the Sony VAIO TZ works with Linux here.
2011.10.04 - MKW:
Works quite well for me apart from the SD/MMC card reader and the front-bezel buttons. Had to perform the following tweaks (apart from standard Debian packages) to get it all working:
- Download & Compile driver for r5u87x camera from http://mentors.debian.net/package/r5u87x
- Turn off vsync for the video card.
- Tweak udev rules for MemoryStick reader or udisks subsystem would see it as an internal disk and prompt for admin password in order to mount.
Discussion
I've been running Ubuntu on my Vaio TZ since 7.10. Just wanted to note that I have bluetooth running successfully on my machine (I use a bluetooth mouse all the time).
Planning on switching to Kubuntu 9.04 beta when I get time.. Linux on this laptop is great!
Do you have some info about how to make the bluetooth working?
All the kernels i have tried do not support it natively.
Per T
You find a lot of information about ubuntu in vaio-TZ here:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=514292
Good Luck
Have been running Ubuntu 8.04 / 8.10 / 9.04beta and now Suse 11.1kde
The things that don't work for sure is, Card reader, fingerprint reader and blue-tooth
Its possible to get the web-cam to work, but you have to build the drivers.
The rest work out of the box, including instant on
Using 9.10 Netbook Remix… bluetooth tethers to my Sony Xperia no probs. Only issues are card reader and the webcam. Been getting about 4 hours battery on the original 2 yr old lithion.
Hello, just google around for the linux drivers for this webcam r5u870, and you will find enough info to make your cam work.