Hewlett-Packard nc4400
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Thu 16 of Aug, 2007 [08:03 UTC]by Bill Giannikos
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.
If you are looking to purchase this laptop you can visit HP's notebook page.
Authors
Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Hewlett-Packard nc4400 laptop, model RD744PA. The nc4400 is a small laptop with a nice number of features. Some audio issues hinder the nc4400's Linux suitability.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Name | Hewlett-Packard nc4400 | |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz | |
| Screen | 12.1" | |
| RAM | 1024MB | |
| HDD | 80GB | |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 | |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945ABG Wireless, Bluetooth | |
| Other | 3 x USB2.0 | |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | Use i810 driver |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | Use tg3 driver |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw3945 module |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
Notes
You will need a USB optical drive or some other way to install Linux as the nc4400 does not come with an optical drive as standard.The audio in the nc4400 uses the snd-hda-intel modules. Many Linux distributions have an issue with sound only working through the headphone jack and not through the speakers. Ubuntu 7.04 does not exhibit this problem and, although not tested, if you update ALSA on your distribution of choice sound should work as well.
Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life
Summary
You will need to use an up to date Linux distribution for sound on the nc4400 to work properly. It will be difficult to install Linux without an external USB optical drive so it is recommended you use one of these.Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.
Comments
SuSE 10.3 so far so good
I do have sound in my speakers
And I dont see how needing a media to install from is a problem. You can boot from network, USB, CDROM, etc ... You do need something to install from.
Re: I do have sound in my speakers
The note of needing a external optical drive was simply intended to be a note of interest, to an inherent program with Linux on this laptop.
Re: I do have sound in my speakers