Testing Linux on my ThinkPad T61 [ Edited ]

[rm42]

A few days ago I did a writeup on my experiences while trying out the latest Linux distributions on my ThinkPad T61.  I think the information may be useful to some.  So here it is:

http://temporaryland.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/finding-the-right-distro-for-my-thinkpad-t61-part1/

Note from Moderator:  Converted to a link.

Message Edited by nonny on 12-03-2007 12:23 PM

[Esteban_Lenovo]

Oh my! Excellent 3-part article!! Thank you so much for testing the different distros and sharing some knowledge. I left a comment on your blog, wondering if you are willing to do a followup on how each of the distros behaves on a more long term use.

all in all, a real good and entertaing read (for a geek like myself!) and I'm glad you posted it here as well.

[rm42]

Esteban,

Yes, I saw your comment over there.  Thanks.  As I said on my reply to your comment, I am planning on doing a mini follow up, just to show how I was able to get around the minor issues I had found.  For example, I want to show what I did to enable Compiz-Fusion.  But, I may add a section on wireless support, accessing a shared printer, etc.  I'll let you know.

[Lorenz_L]

Read your report as well, very interesting!
For Ubuntu, it should be easy enough to activite Compiz once you have activated the restricted drivers.
I saw you used the Vesa drivers, it doesn't work with those. There should be a menu "restricted drivers" and if you activite them, Compiz should work. You have to do a bit more if you have an ATI card, though.

[rm42 · Accepted solution]

Actually, the “intel – Experimental” driver is the correct driver for my laptop.  To enable Compiz-Fusion on Linux Mint (same as Ubuntu) I had to comment a line on the xorg.conf file that lists the intel card as black listed.  That was it.


Message Edited by rm42 on 12-05-2007 02:05 PM

[RealBlackStuff]

Not being a Linux user yet, your experiments could probably 'convert' me! Thanks for a very interesting, understandable article.
I tried Mandriva last year, but it was too much to learn and I did not have the time then to pursue it.

[rm42]

Several people asked me to do a follow up on this writeup.  Well, here it is:

http://temporaryland.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/finding-the-right-distro-for-my-thinkpad-followup/

Note from Moderator:  Converted to link.

Message Edited by nonny on 12-06-2007 08:56 PM

[Esteban_Lenovo]

---

rm42 wrote:
Several people asked me to do a follow up on this writeup.  Well, here it is:

http://temporaryland.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/finding-the-right-distro-for-my-thinkpad-followup/

---

A "Thank you" is in order. So:

Thank You!

[delee88]

 Very good article.

I installed Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop(SLED) 10 SP1 on a T61 ThinkPad with GMAX 3100 video card. The 3D functionality

of SLED did  not function, and the desktop display in general was blurry. There was no way to correct, and of yet I have not been able to find a Linux driver that works.

[RealBlackStuff]

Have you tried to download the Intel Linux drivers for your gfx?