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Toshiba Qosmio G50-G55
Introduction
This is a template for a future guide to running Linux with the Toshiba Qosmio G50-G55 laptop. If you have the Toshiba Qosmio G50-G55 and are running Linux on it please consider editing this page or adding a comment below with your compatibility details. By contributing you will help other people running this laptop or trying to make a decision on whether to buy it or not.
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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Author(s)
Haque
Specifications
| Name | Toshiba Qosmio G50-G55 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Screen | 18.4” WXGA or WXGA+ Widescreen |
| RAM | 4GB |
| HDD | 2x320GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce 9200M or NVIDIA Geforce 9600M |
| Network | Ethernet, Atheros 802.11bgn, Bluetooth |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | Works, but the cellprocessor isn't used | |
| Screen | Yes | Works out of the box | |
| Sound | Partial | Only External Speakers work See Notes for further details | |
| HDD | Yes | Works out of the box | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | Works out of the box | |
| Graphics | Yes | Works with latest nvidia beta driver | |
| Ethernet | Yes | Works out of the box (Tested with DHCP) | |
| USB | Yes | Works out of the box | |
| Card Reader | Yes | Works OOTB (Tested with SD, SDHC and Memory Stick) | |
| Camera | Yes | Works OOTB (Tested with “cheese”) | |
| Additional Buttons | Not Enough Tested | Pressing a button doesn't do anything/ Illumination doesn't work | |
| Wireless | Yes | Works OOTB (at least with unprotected networks) | |
| Bluetooth | Partially | Requires a Windows boot to get initialized (see notes) | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | ||
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | ||
| Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Works OOTB (tested with FPrint) | |
Notes
I tested the machine with “Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex”. Everything important worked fine, the only serious problem is the soundcard.
SOUND:
I found a solution for the Soundcardproblem:
It worked using the Linuxdriver from the Realtek website http://www.realtek.com.tw/DOWNLOADS/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3
Just follow the instructions in the Readmefile. For some reason the internal speakers won't work. External ones work, but very quiet.
GRAPHICS:
I've been using this driver: http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=1882835
Summary
You can enter a summary of how well the Toshiba Qosmio G50-G55 works with Linux here.
Discussion
Bluetooth works only after a reboot (NOT a power cycle) from Windows. Probably it needs a firmware upload.
Tested omnibook kernel module with no luck. toshset doesn't work either.
Using a G50-12Q with Mandriva 2009.1 .
Works really well, except for some multimedia buttons (play, stop, rew, ffwd and volume control wheel are OK, “player”, mute, light, photo and dolby does not generate events).
Updated “fingerprint reader” part: works like other swipe sensors (sometimes you'll have an hard time making it recognize your print).
Updated the wireless part: works (at least on an unprotected AP).
Hi everyone, I just created that Wikiarticle and I hope it can help someone.
A Happy new year to all linux fans ;)