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Toshiba Tecra M9
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Toshiba Tecra M9 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 | Toshiba Tecra M9 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 2.4Ghz |
| Screen | 14.1” WXGA Widescreen |
| RAM | 2GB |
| HDD | 250GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro NVS 130M |
| Network | Ethernet, 802.11abg, Bluetooth |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | use the iwlwifi module |
| Bluetooth | No | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
| Fingerprint Reader | Not Tested |
Notes
The NVIDIA chipset in the Tecra M9 requires the proprietary NVIDIA module to support 3D. However you can also use the open source 'nv' module if all you need is 2D.
Bluetooth doesn't work with a standard kernel. You will need to install a kernel which has this patch integrated. I don't believe any Linux distributions would include this so you will need to compile your own kernel.
Summary
Bluetooth is the major issue with the Toshiba Tecra M9. Other than that the M9 works just fine with a modern Linux distributions. Something with kernel version 2.6.24 or higher (Ubuntu 8.04, Fedora 9, etc) works well.
Discussion
I would add that the SD card reader also works.
However, the pcmcia slot does not. Any suggestions?
I run Debian unstable on my M9. Bluetooth works with the kernel patch above applied, the firewire works nicely and the fingerprint reader can also be used.
See my page http://kyla.kiruna.se/~fredrik/elektronik/tecraM9/
However, I have no luck making the screen reappear after suspend. The machine wakes up and can be used through ssh :) but the screen stays blank.