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 5650-5652WLMi laptop.

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Specifications

Processor	Intel Core Duo T2300 1.66Ghz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	1GB
HDD	120GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce Go 7600
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other	4 x USB2.0, 1 x FireWire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw3945 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested
Express Card Slot	Not Tested

Notes

For the graphics chip you can use both the open source nv driver and Nvidia's proprietary one. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide. For 3D support, you will need the proprietary driver. Some older versions of X may not have support for the Nvidia GeForce Go 7600, in this case you will need to use the proprietary driver.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

This laptop works very well with a 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.