HP-Compaq 6730S

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the HP-Compaq 6730S laptop.

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.

This page is just for discussing using Linux on the HP-Compaq 6730s. For a general discussion about this laptop you can visit the HP-Compaq 6730s page on LapWik.

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Specifications

For full specifications see the HP-Compaq 6730S specifications page.

NameHP-Compaq 6730S
ProcessorIntel Core Duo P5400 2.16GHz
Screen15.4” WXGA Widescreen
RAM3GB
HDD320GB
Optical DriveDVD+-RW
GraphicsATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430
NetworkEthernet, Inte 5100 802.11abgn, Bluetooth

Linux Compatibility

DeviceCompatibilityComments
ProcessorYes
ScreenYes
HDDYes
Optical DriveYes
GraphicsYes Tested with Ubuntu 8.10
SoundYesSee notes below
EthernetYes
WirelessYesNeeds at least kernel 2.6.27
BluetoothYesTested with OpenSuse 10.3 32 bit
56K ModemNot Working
USBYes
Card ReaderYesTested with Ubuntu 9.10 32 bit
ExpressCard SlotNot Tested
CameraYesTested with Ubuntu 8.10 32 bit

Notes

Graphics

The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430 currently needs the proprietary ATI modules to function. Instructions for doing this can be found in the guides section of this site.

Wireless

The Intel wireless controller in the HP 6730S is not yet supported by any current Linux distributions. Support will only be added in the upcoming kernel 2.6.27 so you will need to wait for its release.

Sound

You will need to install ALSA version 1.0.18rc3 or greater to get sound working with the 6730S. Instructions for installing ALSA are available in the guides section of this site.

You may also need to add the following line to your /etc/modprobe.conf (or your distributions equivalent) files:
options snd-hda-intel model=laptop enable=1 index=0

Summary

The major issue with the HP-Compaq 6730S is will the wireless controller. However it is almost certain that the next generation of Linux distributions (which include kernel 2.6.27 or higher) will work very well with this laptop.
UPDATE It's working great with new kernel –> tested with Ubuntu 8.10