Isys Linux

[tonyadams]

Hi, I need a desktop and was looking at the isys range as a good all round computer. I need to dual boot with XP and Linux and have emailed sales as to their thoughts on Linux compatibility but received no response. I was wondering if anyone had one with Linux running on it. I could probably get it to work but I don't really want the hassle with configuration issues and would prefer to do the research into the hardware beforehand,

This is the problem as the website is vague about components. From what I can gather they do not guarantee compatibility, so has anyone got any thoughts. Should I go for one. I will post my experiences with the distros I use if I do decide to.

[djgandy]

I'd guess that it has this board.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/spec ... GIG-946GMX (http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?GIG-946GMX)

I have no idea on linux compatibility, but the main problem is usually graphics and chipset. I would expect linux to have built in support for Intel graphics and chipsets.

If you do go for this i'd recommend the higher spec model.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/spec ... ml?PC-1078 (http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?PC-1078)

[tonyadams]

I was looking at the elite pro, and max pro, i should have been more specific, I need quite a powerful pc. When it comes to hardware im pretty clueless. I expect graphics and chipsets will be ok, I was thinking of more general components.

[Nox]

which distribution are you thinking of? each will natively support different hardware. For example, neither Fedora or ubuntu would support my 8700m, Fedora would not even give X, ubuntu would but had no idea on the gfx card. Sabonya (Gentoo based) picked up my 8700M and the 1920x1200 display absolutely fine with no configs.

So... can you switch and change distro's or does it have to be a specific one?

Nox

[tonyadams]

Thanks for the replies. Your 8700m is that in an isys desktop nox, if so did everything else work ok? I don't mind with the distro. I'm using debian and fedora at the moment, would like to carry on using debian but will use any. Using debian I have always had to configure graphics, its more about having a problem with hardware that just will not work under linux without hours of googling. Would like to hear from anyone who has got any distro working on the isys pro and elite from the two I mentioned in their current configuration. Would be willing to take a punt that it would be ok, getting some flava to work so I could use certain programs, its just for really for piece of mind.

[Nox]

no, its the brand new laptop gfx card - even nvidia haven't released linux drivers for it yet... it was more of an example that one distro will work when another won't (out of the box)

btw i'm getting hooked on Sabayon, its so fast in comparison to fedora/ubuntu - first OS i've used for a while i've actually thought was fast.

Nox

[tonyadams]

Ive heard good thing about sabayon i might give it a try. Was wondering nox what motherboard you are using with linux. It seems the isys uses a foxconn motherboard and I was looking around and was told to avoid them for linux. Anyone any thoughts?

[Nox]

its on my x80r, a novatech laptop. Its a Clevo made device, but as far as who makes the motherboard... CPU-Z may report it if I remember right, if not I am not opening it up to look :p

Nox

[Coops]

The X80R mainboard is made by Clevo to fit there Chassis.

You should have no problems using Foxconn mainboard with Linux that i am aware of as long as your linux distro has the drivers to be able to work the hardware that is featured on the board you have.

Any strange problem you have that is not distro related then provide some info and i will ask around at Foxconn and see what they say about it.

[system7]

That Gigabyte board looks pure "Intel"ish enough to work.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2550

The Intel sound chip is supported by most distros. It's the sigmatel audio that gives problems. But no guarantees. And you can get around any possible video problems by fitting a standard nVidia card, I reckon.
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-008326.htm

[tonyadams]

Hi, thanks for all the input, I bought an isys max pro a few weeks ago and I havent had a problem installing linux. I first tried installing debian (which probably wasnt the smartest choice as it can be one of the more difficult distros to get working. I was using debian etch stable and the installer would not recognise my hard drive. This was apparently because the support for my chipset was not provided by the 2.6.18 kernel it uses. I then got a custom etch distribution using the latest 2.6.23 kernel and the drive was found and all installed well but I could not get X to start. I could not actually find a solution, and could not see why it was not working, I even tried installing the nvidia drivers directly but this kept failing. I think it might be something to do with the fact that I was using amd64 port which I dont have a great deal of experience with but I am still not sure and intend to have another go soon.

I then tried ubuntu that went without a hitch, and I have now also installed sabayon linux both of which are working well. So basically it seems that all distros using newer kernels should work well with this chipset. Thanks again - Im very happy with my new computer!