Acer TravelMate 5720
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Thu 20 of Mar, 2008 [14:30 UTC]
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.
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Acer TravelMate 5720 laptop.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Name | Acer TravelMate 5720 | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz | |
| Screen | 15.4" WXGA Widescreen | |
| RAM | 2GB | |
| HDD | 160GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW | |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400 XT | |
| 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 | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | |
| Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
| Webcam | Yes | |
Notes
Graphics
For the graphics to work on the 5720 you will need to install the proprietary fglrx driver. See the guides section here for details on doing this.Some versions of the TravelMate 5720 include the Intel GMA X3100 rather than the ATI tested here. It has been reported that this works just fine.
Sound
Many Linux distribution will have problems with sound on this laptop. This is because you need at least version 1.0.16 of the ALSA drivers which most distributions don't have. See the guides section here for instructions on installing the latest ALSA drivers.Webcam
The webcam in supported by the Linux-uvc driver. Some, but not all, distributions include this driver. Details on installing this driver is available in our guides section.Summary
The biggest issue with the Acer TravelMate 5720 is the ATI graphics controller with it being necessary to use the propriety ATI driver. Some extra installation work may also be necessary for the webcam and sound.Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.
Comments