This is a compatibility guide to running Linux with the Acer Aspire 8920 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.
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| Name | Acer Aspire 8920 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Screen | 18.4” WUXGA+ Widescreen |
| RAM | 4GB |
| HDD | 320GB |
| Optical Drive | Blu-ray |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce 9500M or NIDIA Geforce 9650M |
| Network | Ethernet, Intel 3945AGN 802.11abg or Intel 4965AGN 802.11abgn, Bluetooth |
| Device | Compatibility | Debian Comments | Ubuntu Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | works | ||
| Screen | works | ||
| HDD | works | ||
| Optical Drive | works | ||
| Graphics | works | tested on Debian Lenny (with latest NVidia drivers)(NVidia drivers are a must to prevent the graphic card from overheating) | tested on Ubuntu and works |
| Sound | works | only Subwoofer might run, but not on Lenny; on some distributions the Subwoofer might run, see this Link. | need to mute the s/PDIF channels and unmute the other channels |
| Ethernet | does not work | tested on Debian Lenny (might run with custom packages and/or configuration) | works with Ubuntu and some work |
| Wireless | works | tested on Debian Lenny | |
| Bluetooth | Tested | Works in Ubuntu | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | ||
| USB | works | tested on Debian Lenny | Works with Ubuntu |
| Firewire | Not Tested | ||
| Card Reader | Not Tested | ||
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | ||
| Fingerprint Reader | Not Tested | ||
| Camera | Not Tested | Works with Ubuntu in Skype with no extra work. but not in other apps unless extra settings are done |
I run Ubuntu 8.04 on it of the second hard drive I've installed. (dual boot with the original vista that I haven't used other than for watching blue ray disks and video editing)
It has been a bit of work to find all the documents and information I needed to get this machine working (few months back from the date this has been written)
Dual screen 1920×1080 LCD on Laptop and external LCD @ 1280×1024 : Working (NVIDIA restricted drivers)
Working (needed some work but instructions are available on the net)
Worked at installation with no issues
Has been a struggle to make it work (lots of steps but instructions all available on the net) (not the same audio quality with sub woofer as in windows but decent.
Kinda working with no extra settings but not as smooth as in windows (workable for me)
Not working at first but with instructions on the net and some bash files it works with the fn+> key and with short cut icons on the tool bar (have to sudo /home/user/bin folder to hold all your bash files that need to be run as root (instead of sudo it all)
Working with proper setup to be found on the net. very detailed and good instructions. (have it working with head piece (plantronics) to use with skype, and works great if you just reset after every call by pressing the button on the plantronics. easy one
I didn't set it up at all, but got it working with skype and that is all I need it for anyway.
Not even tried, (don't use it)
Working great.
All work out of the box with Ubuntu 8.04.
I do have one issue: on regular basis my file system (EXT3) gets dirty and I have to run the live CD to fix it with fsck. many fixes. I don't know if that is because I run the disk on the second SATA controller or my second hard drive is damaged. I might have a bad hard drive. (my other linux machines never had any issues with it before in same set-ups) So I can't say right now what the cause is here. but thought I mention it.
I found it working that great that I have installed Virtual Box to run my windows software under a Virtual XP (don't like vista at all) I have MS office, Quick books 2007, Power CAD Pro, and the usual BS from windows working in 2 different virtual sessions. It does work so good, I haven't touched my vista partition in months now.
Have fun guys,
Ubuntu / Suse + OO Rock and is very productive. (but take the time to learn some command line stuff on the side, it's worth spending time for)
Greetings,
T. Kojak
Discussion
Martí: see this post http://www.ubuntu-es.org/?q=node/72940
great summary. However i have the same problem as Martí. I've tried to run ubuntu 8.04 on my aspire 8920. Theres quite a few solutions out there but none are “user friendly”… Has anyone else had same problem and can help?
How to Fancy control panel works?
I can't configure my audio in my Aspire 8920 using Kubunuts.
PLease, help me! I need hearing voices in my computer.