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 Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Acer Aspire 5720G laptop.

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Specifications

Name	Acer Aspire 5720G
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA Widescreen
RAM	2GB
HDD	160GB
Optical Drive	None
Graphics	ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300
Network	Ethernet, Intel 3945 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 iwl3945 driver
Bluetooth	Not Tested
Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
Card Reader	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested
Webcam	Partial

Notes

You will need kernel 2.6.22 or greater to get the Aspire 5720G working properly with Linux. Older kernels lack properly hardware support.

The open source radeon driver included with Xorg does not currently support the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300. However support has been added for this chip in the current version of the proprietary ATI driver. You will need to install the proprietary drivers to get the display working correctly.

You can get the webcam in the 5720G working with the linux-uvc drivers, however quality is not the best. Most distribution do not include this driver so you will need to install it manually.

Summary

The display is the main issue with the Acer Aspire 5720G. After some configuration work you can get this laptop working just fine.


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