Hardware: Clevo M550SE basic build without wireless networking, modem, card reader or camera.
processor: x86 Family 6 Model 14 Stepping 12 Genuine Intel ~1729 Mhz DUAL
RAM: 1GB 667MHz (highest amount possible for the single slot)
BIOS Version/Date Phoenix Technologies LTD 6.00, 16/08/2007
Manufacturer's web page for specs
http://www.clevo.com.tw/en/products/...p?productid=26
Ubuntu Feisty 7.04 live CD kernel 15 install as dual boot with Win XP Pro - done as a comparison between each OS out-of-the-box (without proprietary drivers and without extra Ubuntu drivers).
All basics work first up, with about 30s to boot. A bios bug and a memory resource allocation error message flash by, but don't influence booting. Will probably need to be tracked down for fine video resolution later on, but it looks like there's enough memory to run all kinds of video.
Screen resolution defaults to a slightly too anamorphic 1024x768 at 61hz, ( and the resolution can't be changed with the Gnome UI) but it is a better read than the default Win XP Pro "safe"-like resolution out of the box. And even with the proprietary drivers, the Win experience is underwhelming. The Gnome desktop has just so much more clarity and reading-friendliness on these small lcds.
Battery management is as desired, with hibernation smoothly enabled in the prefs and with all function keys for screen power responding as expected. This includes default screen off with lid closing.
NOTE that the default power applet misreports the power source in the narrative balloon, even though the system prefs respond correctly. AND the screen doesn't automatically dim when battery power is chosen.
There are fewer power management options in the Win out of the box.
Audio works as a muted compromise driver for all application outputs, the mixer hasn't been tried to increase the volume of output or for recording from the inbuilt mic, nor has the spid interface been tried.
With the Win XPPr0 SP2 (up to date) out of the box, zero audio.
Optical drive plays basic discs on default apps. Of course, there aren't enough default codecs for a good range of read operations.
After applying all Ubuntu auto updates - to kernel version 16 - the installation remains stable, but with no extra fine function added so far.
The machine has been acquired as a basically un-networked book reader for a disabled user.
Ten out of ten for the functionality overall.
8 out of ten for a few fine tunings, and it looks as though Gutsy will have those answers without the user needing to do too much manual driver installation.
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