Laptop Install

[Charles Sloan]

I have this laptop and I want to install Ubuntu on this. I was wondering what I might be in store for with this project.

Here is the lap:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8782089&st=hp+se&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1204924952362

I was wondering if I will need special software or something in addition to my Linux install disk.

[Pumalite]

Your link doesn't work for me. What are your specs?

[Rallg]

Some user experiences can be found at http://www.linux-laptop.net

You haven't yet bought the computer, but in general, before installing any Linux on any computer, try a live CD from the same kind of distribution. Ubuntu's installation CD is also a live CD.

The live CD will usually indicate if you need additional drivers that couldn't be included on the CD for proprietary reasons. You may be able to get the drivers, for temporary use with the live CD, via download. However, since some proprietary drivers are for wireless, you might need a cable connection to get them!

[Charles Sloan]

Your link doesn't work for me. What are your specs?

Processor Brand
AMD
#
Processor
AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2
#
Processor Speed
2.1GHz
#
Display Type
WXGA high-definition widescreen with BrightView technology (1280 x 800)
#
Screen Size
14.1"
#
System Bus
1600MHz
#
Cache Memory
512KB + 512KB at die Level 2
#
System Memory (RAM)
4GB
#
Type of Memory (RAM)
DDR2
#
Hard Drive Type
SATA (5400 rpm)
#
Hard Drive Size
250GB
#
Optical Drive
Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW
#
Optical Drive Speeds
Drive speeds not specified
#
Direct-Disc Labeling
Yes
#
Digital Media Reader or Slots
Yes, digital media card reader
#
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M (UMA)
#
Video Memory
Up to 1071MB
#
Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
No
#
TV Tuner
No
#
MPEG
Yes
#
Built-in Webcam
Yes
#
Modem
56 Kbps*
*Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
#
Networking
Built-in high-speed 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
#
Wireless Networking
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
#
S-Video Outputs
1
#
Audio
Altec Lansing
#
Speakers
Built-in stereo
#
PCMCIA Slots
1 ExpressCard/34/54
#
USB 2.0 Ports
3
#
IEEE 1394 FireWire Ports
1
#
Parallel Ports
None
#
Serial Ports
None
#
Game Ports
None
#
Laptop Weight
Ultraportable (5.5 lbs. or less)
#
Battery Type
Lithium-ion (6-cell)
#
Pointing Device
Touchpad with dedicated vertical scroll pad and on/off button
#
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1
#
Included Software
HP Photosmart Essentials, Quick Play; muvee autoProducer ; CyberLink DVD Suite; Microsoft Works; Adobe Acrobat Reader and more
#
Included Accessories
HP mobile remote and ear bud headphones
#
ENERGY STAR Qualified
Yes

[Pumalite]

Your specs are fine. Do you want Ubuntu only or dual boot? Are you using Vista or XP?

[Charles Sloan]

I was going to do straight install of Linux and free myself from the tyranny of Microsoft. I am really interested about if my touch pad and wireless will work with this OS.

[Pumalite]

Wireless; yes. Touch pad; not so sure.

[Charles Sloan]

So is there a way to find out?

It would be very disappointing to learn this after the install.

[Pumalite]

You might find this link informative:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=704785

[Charles Sloan]

Just might be what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

[Pumalite]

You are welcome. Good luck.

[Charles Sloan]

Since this is a 64 bit proc, should I install the Unbuntu 64 edition, or the 32?

[Charles Sloan]

I tried the Live CD session where it doesn't install and everything worked perfectly. Is that an indication that the install will detect all my hardware?

I'm sorry for sounding so inexperienced.

Also in the session I couldn't increase my resolution beyond 800x600, will I be able to view my native 1280x800?

[Pumalite]

With 4 GB of RAM; I'd say go 64 bit. Your resolution problem might be one of these two:
# 14.1" WXGA high-definition widescreen display with BrightView technology and 1280 x 800 resolution

# NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M (UMA) graphics with up to 1071MB total available video memory; S-video output

Check the Ubuntu site for compatibility.

[Charles Sloan]

After I installed all the updates, everything works perfectly. I have to admit, this is more complex than windows, but I guess you get out what you put in. Thank you for all your help.

Goodbye Microsoft, hello Ubuntu.

[Pumalite]

Good for you.

[jpyanowski]

Check what wifi card the lappy has. Mine has a Broadcom. Not painful to configure but had to download the bcm43-fwcutter for it to work.

[utab]

I have this laptop and I want to install Ubuntu on this. I was wondering what I might be in store for with this project.

Here is the lap:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8782089&st=hp+se&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1204924952362

I was wondering if I will need special software or something in addition to my Linux install disk.

See if this helps https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LaptopTestingTeam

[Charles Sloan]

The WiFi works, and the video is perfect. The only thing I've noticed that isn't working it the 7 in 1 media card reader. Aside for that, everything is on the up and up.

Is there a fix for the media card readers?

[Pumalite]

This might prove to be interesting reading to you:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=762078

[Charles Sloan]

This might prove to be interesting reading to you:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=762078

You mean I'm going to have to install Suse?

Green doesn't match my notebook, its bronze!

[Pumalite]

I was just pointing out that I haven't found a solution to the problem of the card reader.