Linux and Pavilon dv9000t

[Nicolas Lara]

Hello, Im planning on buying a pavilon 9000t but i had some concerns about some issues:

I plan to run a Linux only system (with gentoo linux) so I'm concerned about the hardware compatibility of the following items:

* HP Imprint Finish/Microphone/Webcam
* LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
* HP Expresscard TV Tuner

Have anyone had experience with this items? is any of them not-compatible with linux?. I've checked http://www.linux-laptop.net/ and found everything works fine except the webcam and microphone. There is nothing there about the tv tuner. Does hp provide linux drivers for this hardware?, can it be found somewhere?

I've also seen that many companies allow you to ask for the computers without windows installed. can it be done?, how much will it take off the price?

I'm also going to be living in Finland for some time and I was wondering about the support in Finland (if I buy in the US). Is there good hardware warranty and support in Finland/Europe?.

Thanks in advanced,

Nicolas

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom Nicolas,

HP low end laptops systems have been notworthy for their hardware issues concerning Linux.

The bad news is I've seen issues with all three of the hardware items you list.

* HP Imprint Finish/Microphone/Webcam
* LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
* HP Expresscard TV Tuner

Linux doesn't have the hardware budget of Microsoft and the less mainstream and the more new the hardware the more difficult the support.

I anticipate with this will be a difficult situation and some of the hardware will not work.

Still, if you already have the system its worth a try. You may need to go to a different Linux distribution to get all your hardware working.

I've been told HP Europe support is good, but if the laptop is not Linux certified it could be a rough time for you.

SEP

[Nicolas Lara]

Thanks for the answer and , though it is bad news, I was kind of expecting it. I think I'll give it a try any way. If anyone can find any driver or tutorials on how to get those components working I'd still appreciate it.
Also if I get them to work I'll post it somewhere.

How can I find what brand and model are those components? (it would help in finding how to install them). Are there any similar models in HP that are linux certified?

[BUPA IS]

Hello,
does this help ? as suggested have a look at the other distributions .

http://en.opensuse.org/HCL/Laptops/HP

You may be better off trying a slightly older model where some of the driver work has already been done. or write your own :)

Also remember that Finland uses european standard plugs and 230 v 50 Hz power .
you need to make sure you get the auto ranging power supply .

Mike

[Nicolas Lara]

> Also remember that Finland uses european
> standard plugs and 230 v 50 Hz power .
> you need to make sure you get the auto
> ranging power supply .

Any thought on how to do that?, I've lived in Venezuela my whole life. And only been to the US.

[BUPA IS · Accepted solution]

Hello Nicolas,

The model number you list is not on the hp's uk web site . Ask HP venezuela for advice. If they can only sell you the 110v version wait until you get to europe to get the power supply .

If the power supply
Input 100 - 240V, Input frequency: 47 to 63Hz
written on it then it will work in europe and anywhere else .
If it does get a Finnish power cable or plug adaptor when you get there .
100-120v 57-63hz is NO good it will only work in North America. (and other places with 110v systems)
The power rating should match the spec for the laptop for example 90w 130w or 180w depending on size and peripeherals installed
safe travels
Mike

[Nicolas Lara]

Thenk you very much for the reply! :D

[Colin Topliss]

Sorry for joining the party a little bit on the late side...

I have a dv9000ea, running OpenSUSE10.2. I managed to get the webcam to work, though not with web-enabled app (so if you want to see a picture of yourself, no problem - letting other people see it is another matter). Its an app thing as opposed to a driver thing.

Lightscribe software is available, but I can't verify for sure that it works (I didn't have any lightscribe compatible media). The software didn't crash (which is a fairly good sign).

Try
http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10803

Mine came with a DVT card. Again, the hardware recognised the card, but the little aerial I got with it is useless. Haven't had time to jack into a larger aerial to see if I can pick anything up.

Bad news is its a bit of work - so if you want something off-the-shelf then, no matter what distribution, you may be dissapointed. If you're OK to work a little to get this all in, then it is possible to get just that little bit more working. There are lots of sources on the web - don't be afraid to pick a solution for a similar type of laptop and try - sometimes it pays off!

Colin.