This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Page Contents Authors Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Related Resources Summary

Authors

Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Acer Aspire 1640-1644ZWLMi laptop. It is quite a good low cost laptop with good Linux support.

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Specifications

Processor	Intel Pentium-M Proc 760 2.0Ghz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	1GB
HDD	100GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Network	10/100 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other	3 x USB2.0

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use snd-hda-intel
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw2200 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

The default native resolution of this notebook is 1280x800 but due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. You may like to follow our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide for an installation guide.

For audio to work properly you will need to use kernel version 2.6.16 or greater or install the latest ALSA drivers.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring the audio
Increasing battery life

Summary

The Acer Aspire 1640-1644ZWLMi works well with an up to date Linux distribution. There were no problems getting it working.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.