Toshiba Tecra A8
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Sat 27 of Oct, 2007 [10:31 UTC]by Anonymous
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
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Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Toshiba Tecra A8 laptop.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Name | Toshiba Tecra A8 | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T2400 1.83GHz | |
| Screen | 15.4" WXGA | |
| RAM | 1GB | |
| HDD | 80GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW | |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 | |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless | |
| Other | 3 x USB2.0 | |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use ipw3945 module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| SD Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
Notes
As default the native screen resolution of the A8 is 1280x800, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. You may view our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and 950 guide for more information.To get sound working you will need to add the following line to your /etc/modprobe.conf (or your distro's equivalent) file:
options snd-hda-intel enable=1 index=0 model=basic
In Ubuntu-distros, add the line above to the end of /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.
You may also need to update to the latest version of ALSA as well.
Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring the audio
Configuring the ipw3945 module for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life
Summary
Some configuration work is required to get the Toshiba Tecra A8 working with Linux but it does work well after configuration.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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Comments
modem
slmodemd -c YOURCOUNTRY --alsa hw:0,6
i.e.
(open terminal and type....)
su <type root password>
slmodemd -c AUSTRALIA --alsa hw:0,6
(output is....)
SmartLink Soft Modem: version 2.9.9e-pre1 Sep 30 2007 00:07:03
symbolic link `/dev/ttySL0' -> `/dev/pts/2' created.
modem `hw:0,6' created. TTY is `/dev/pts/2'
Use `/dev/ttySL0' as modem device, Ctrl+C for termination.
Then load kppp, select configure then the device tab, then in the drop-down box for 'modem device' select ttySL0
configure the other options as needed, add phone number (etc) then dial. It works, but the terminal window must stay open.
Screen saver issue
My laptop is a Toshiva Tecra A8 and it's working with Ubuntu 7.10 and kernel 2.6.22-14
Audio works well
options snd-hda-intel enable=1 index=0 model=basic
then you will have a nice alsamixer panel with everything working
Re: Audio works well
Re: Audio works well
Has anyone got the sound on their A8 working in 7.10?
Re: Audio works well
Unfortunately acpi isn't working properly with CPU temperature. Battery suspend, throttling etc all work, but the temp is static at 16 degrees C in /proc/acpi/thermal_zone/THRM/temperature and I haven't found a solution yet.
Re: Audio works well
Re: Audio works well
The sound didn't work until I added the options line specified above by 'ste'
All is well now.
Thanks for the tip.