Toshiba Tecra A6
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Fri 17 of Aug, 2007 [12:27 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.
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Authors
Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)Introduction
Below is my experience with the Toshiba Tecra A6 laptop, model PTA61A-00G005. This was tested with Fedora Core 5.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Name | Toshiba Tecra A6 | |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2300 1.66Ghz | |
| Screen | 14.1" | |
| RAM | 512MB | |
| HDD | 60GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD-+RW | |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon x1400 | |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless + Bluetooth | |
| Other | 4 x USB2.0 + 1 x Firewire | |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use Alsa snd-hda-intel module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw3945 module |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested but should work | |
| SD Card Reader | Not Tested, probably wont work | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested but should work | |
Notes
The open source radeon driver included with Fedora Core 5 does not support the ATI Mobility Radeon x1400. However you can get this working using the proprietary ATI driver. For a simpler install, you may like to use the Livna repository. Because of a bug in the kernel shipped with Fedora Core 5 you should upgrade to the latest kernel version before installing this driver.I didn't get a chance to test the modem, but from experience it should work with the Linuxant driver.
Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring an ATI graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life
Summary
For best result you need a Linux distribution with at least the 2.6.16 kernel, such as Fedora Core 5. If you do not like to use proprietary drivers then this notebook is not a good choice for now.If you are looking to purchase this laptop you can visit Toshiba's Tecra page.
Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.
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