Re: asus s8600

[Heather <star@starshine.org>]

> Hi,
> 
> I would like to buy an Asus S8600, which is afaik similar to the
> S8200 (only the display resolution should be  different). But there are
> two questions left:
> 1. A few threads below some problems with pcmcia and the X-Server are
> mentioned. Are there any solutions yet? Can I use the entire hardware of
> the Notebook?

Most problems with pcmcia really have turned out to be load order, not a
failure to support the hardware.

questions about the X server cannot be answered without knowing *precisely* 
what video chipset ended up in the machine.  (try xviddetect or lspci to
tell you something useful about the chipsets.)  It is common for laptop
manufacturers to buy into the chip-churning game and choose a newer video
chipset.  They've often been sold that the difference is minor.  Sometimes
they're even right, but they rarely know, or care.

"the entire hardware" is a different question.
Generically:
	if we know the chipsets, we can answer that in much better detail.
	use lspci or entries in the proc filesystem to see what got auto
	detected.  Your CMOS may also have some useful notes, though that's
	rare.  If you're a dual boot, you can ask Windows in Control Panel,
	under System, tab "Devices", pop open the cute little icons to see 
	the sub items.  The name of the tab will vary amongst Windows versions
	but it's the second tab in most of them.

Pseudo-generically:
	Unfortunately vendors have a habit of changing chips and calling it
	"minor" so knowing that a nearby model is similar may not help a lot.

	USB yes (but you need a new enough kernel and probably to recompile)
	IR yes (install irdatools)
	Fast IR: four chipsets yes, though one is experimental
	Firewire: you need a 2.4 kernel, but as far as we can tell yes.
	audio: need to know the chipset.  3 possible rather differently 
		implemented answers.
	video: LCD monitors are usually auto-detected. The card is a tougher
		question.  Try SVGA server, if that doesn't work, ask some 
		more with details.  And, a specific server may give snappier
		response than SVGA even if it works, often at the cost of
		stability or some graphics modes. lspci will mention the card.

		LCD panels change less than the rest and so it is often 
		safe to try modelines from closely related models.

	mice/touchpad: work fine.  There are tricks for making both gpm and 
		X happy.  most are PS2 mice internally.
	pcmcia: only the HP Omnibook 600 is known to *not* work.
	serial: works
	parallel: works
	winmodems when they exist: 4 types work, pretty shabby tho.
	ethernet when it exists: generally is a "desktop" chipset, works great.

If you have some type of hardware I didn't mention, just ask... but be 
specific.

> 2. Is it true, that an external monitor can only view up to 1024x768
> pixels? Or can I display 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 as well?

This will depend on available video memory, and the actual capabilities
(note: horizontal and vertical refresh, not necessarily marketing points)
of your external monitor.
 
Commonly laptops can handle much better resolution on an external monitor.
The LCD panel has a distinct limit, and sometimes (though not usually) can
only handle one specific graphics mode.

> Thank you
>     Gernot A. Weber

Hope it helps.

* Heather Stern * star@ many places...