Linux on Laptop: Sony Vaio PCG-FX140
Note:I have an updated review for Suse Linux 9.3.
In a word, "DON'T". You may be able to get this installation to work, but it is quite slow and the sound is not supported in the default installation. Having said that, it's ironic I bought this laptop with with Redhat 7 pre-installed on it by Dr.Lincoln Durey, with custom modifications.
BIOS Update: Firstly, if you own this computer, and want to load either Windows 2000 or some version of Linux, I suggest you update the BIOS at vaio.net. You need to select "laptop" and the "FX series" in drop down lists. On the page you get for your model, look for the link "view more updates and drivers". My system is now running Windows 2000 and it is supported well with these updates.
Background: I am not a programmer, but I am comfortable navigating linux machines, editing configuration files and installing software "RPM" packages. With SuSE, I use the Control Center and YaST almost exclusively to maintain the computer.
Default Installation: I tried installing SuSE before updating the BIOS by excepting all the defaults. The software installs, but each time it boots, there is a message "Error: Looking for DSDT in init.rd...not found" and a very long delay before starting up. It is incredibly slow to do the most basic task.
Yada-yada: After upgrading the BIOS, I tried reinstalling SuSE 9.0 with all the defaults. One of the big problems is that the computer gets registered as "Sony Vaio PCG-FX403", but I'm not going to do a manual installation. The boot error went away, and the response was a little faster, but still very slow. Most of the functionality is supported, but after starting up a sound application (e.g., CD or streaming audio), it gets filled with nasty static sounds when you try to do something else. Not right away, but it eventually happens every time and made it unusable. I tried almost every combination of sound settings in YaST, but that is about as far as I would go. Below is a table of information from the Windows 2000 device manager and what was recognized under Suse 9.0.
Conclusion: Without being an expert, you could use this laptop with SuSE linux 9.0 in an environment where sound and speed are not required. That's about it.
| Device | Windows description | Linux result |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Advanced Configuration and Power Interface PC | Yast..BIOS APM_Supported = NO |
| Display (1024x768) | Intel 82815 Graphics Controller | Intel I815. Just works. |
| DVD | Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-C2402 | CD just works. DVD not tested. |
| Hard Drive | Hitachi_DK23DA-20 | Recognized and works |
| IEEE 1394 | Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant Controller | Not Tested |
| Modem | Conexant-Abit Soft56 Data, Fax ICH Modem | Not Tested |
| Modem | Ambicom AMB8802 PCMCIA modem | Recognized, not tested |
| Network | Intel Pro/100 VE NIC | Just works |
| Sound | SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio | Works until you do something else |
| USB | USB Optical mouse; USB digital cameras | Just works. Might need to mount camera |
Notes: To get to the BIOS use the F2 key at boot.
To get to the hard drive, remove the speaker panel and then take off the keyboard.
