Has anyone used Linux on this machine? Has anyone run Linux on the Toshiba Portege R835-P56x, whether installed or a live Linux distribution booted from a CD/DVD or USB stick? If so, I'd be curious to hear of any hardware compatibility issues; for example, was the Linux distribution able to use the graphics, sound, wifi, etc. with no problems?I'm considering buying this machine, but use only Linux so want to know how compatible it is. I wasn't able to find any of this model at local stores to try booting from a live Linux USB stick, so would be grateful for any input somebody can give. Thanks. Has anyone used Linux on this machine? Has anyone run Linux on the Toshiba Portege R835-P56x, whether installed or a live Linux distribution booted from a CD/DVD or USB stick? If so, I'd be... » Read More Has anyone used Linux on this machine? Has anyone run Linux on the Toshiba Portege R835-P56x, whether installed or a live Linux distribution booted from a CD/DVD or USB stick? If so, I'd be curious to hear of any hardware compatibility issues; for example, was the Linux distribution able to use the graphics, sound, wifi, etc. with no problems?I'm considering buying this machine, but use only Linux so want to know how compatible it is. I wasn't able to find any of this model at local stores to try booting from a live Linux USB stick, so would be grateful for any input somebody can give. Thanks. « Show Less
1261739
Here's a good thread on the major Linux compatibility/lockup issue:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11153109That said, I'm happily running Ubuntu Natty Narwhal amd_64 on this laptop. In installed Ubuntu, installed the kernel recommended in the thread, and I'm in business. The only issue that I have remaining is that the screen brightness adjustment doesn't work after a sleep/resume. I'd rather have easy/natural access the Linux ecosystem of software power-tools than have brightness controls.I've also installed an SSD and some extra ram -- the machine makes a wonderful VM host and ultra-portable development platform! Here's a good thread on the major Linux compatibility/lockup issue:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11153109That said, I'm happily running Ubuntu Natty Narwhal amd_64 on this laptop. In installed Ubuntu, installed the kernel recommended in the thread, and I'm in business. The only issue that I have remaining is that the screen brightness adjustment doesn't work after a sleep/resume. I'd rather have easy/natural access the Linux ecosystem of software power-tools than have brightness controls.I've also installed an SSD and some extra ram -- the... » Read More Here's a good thread on the major Linux compatibility/lockup issue:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11153109That said, I'm happily running Ubuntu Natty Narwhal amd_64 on this laptop. In installed Ubuntu, installed the kernel recommended in the thread, and I'm in business. The only issue that I have remaining is that the screen brightness adjustment doesn't work after a sleep/resume. I'd rather have easy/natural access the Linux ecosystem of software power-tools than have brightness controls.I've also installed an SSD and some extra ram -- the machine makes a wonderful VM host and ultra-portable development platform! « Show Less
523998
I have been running Ubuntu 11.04 on it for about a month and so far everything is great, no compatibility issues (though I admit I haven't put it through a full on stress test). I will say that I had to update the kernel from 2.6.38 (the default on installation) to 2.6.39 to resolve a freezing issue, but since then I have not had any problems. I have not tried installing any other Linux distributions.
1261740
I'm also looking at this laptop myself. I've been wondering if it will run fine with Linux, and from the input here things are looking good! I'm looking to run Debian, probably the testing branch as it has a little more up-to-date kernel and software, but I'm also considering Arch. That distro is always on the bleeding edge so the most recent software should (hopefully) pick up every piece of hardware on this machine.
1261741
I'm having display problems using Fedora 14 on this machine. The initial boot sequence seems to work fine, but the desktop never appears, and alternate windows (Ctrl-Alt-2, -3, etc.) also do not work.
1891160
I do not use Linux but it does work perfectly with Windows XP and Windows 7. There were no problems installing it and still use it on one of my computers.
999530
It is off the shelf hardware. It should work with Linux distributions AFAIK. You can build your own for slightly cheaper, but not too much cheaper. For the extra money, you do get warranty support on the hardware as well as having it tested and burnt in. That was worth my mine for having the piece of mind. Search for the free as mini reviews and you can get a breakdown of the hardware to check compatibility.
1683471
No problems, dualbooting win7 and linux mint (it's a ubuntu based os)both 64bit, just make sure you're using mbr, and not gpt.
1852992
Officially only Win/Mac OSs are supported. It doesn't come with a Linux driver and Genius website doesn't provide one. However, http:// goo.gl/7FK
1624404
Ye, I also have the Toshib Portable dvd for this, and it works very well! I've used mine many-many times. However...it seems that the Toshiba laptop works best with another Toshibs brand. I bought my Toshiba Portable dvd from amazon!
1547957
I'm sure you could find some more information on the forums. I personally have not tried running it on Linux. I would imagine you just need to find the correct drivers to run it properly. Good luck.
1229892
I first put Ubuntu 9.10 on mine (I know, a little outdated haha), and had lots of problems in terms of drivers. However, it's running Linux Mint like a champ!
509119
I installed Linux (Fedora 18), can't find the install CD at the moment but there is a printed sticker on the computer with the license key. The Windows install CD/DVD appeared to be something I could use on some other hardware if the need arose. I chunked the Windows stuff somewhere - sorry.
290706
It works fine with Ubuntu and I see no reason why it wouldn't work OK with CentOS etc. Is there a particular flavour you want to run on it?
730558
yes. you can install linux in this laptop easily ;) and you can find drivers in lenovo support site.
1252651
I'm not sure about installing Linux on this system but the Windows 8 operating system that came with this PC is apparently faulty. My PC shuts down for no reason at all every couple minutes. It really frustrates me, so thinking on installing (if I can afford a copy) Windows 7 to see if this problem stops.
1168995
Yes...I have Linux Lite on it now. Have used Mint..Peppermint...and PClinuxOS also. All work fine.
52968
My last update, but I figured anyone interested in Ubuntu on this would be excited with this news:I am currently booted up on the LIVE CD (well image) of 9.10 beta (releases tomorrow) and it appears that everything is supported natively. The wireless drivers (that were a pain) are good, card reader, wired, better battery (by a slight amount). Also - the hotkeys all work (FN + (key)).Other distros I am not sure what their newest native driver support is like, but it is clearly do-able and if you want it you can get it on here. I hope the release doesn't lose any of this stuff! My last update, but I figured anyone interested in Ubuntu on this would be excited with this news:I am currently booted up on the LIVE CD (well image) of 9.10 beta (releases tomorrow) and it appears that everything is supported natively. The wireless drivers (that were a pain) are good, card reader, wired, better battery (by a slight amount). Also - the hotkeys all work (FN + (key)).Other distros I am not sure what their newest native driver support is like, but it is clearly do-able and if you want it you can get it on here. I hope the release doesn't lose any of... » Read More My last update, but I figured anyone interested in Ubuntu on this would be excited with this news:I am currently booted up on the LIVE CD (well image) of 9.10 beta (releases tomorrow) and it appears that everything is supported natively. The wireless drivers (that were a pain) are good, card reader, wired, better battery (by a slight amount). Also - the hotkeys all work (FN + (key)).Other distros I am not sure what their newest native driver support is like, but it is clearly do-able and if you want it you can get it on here. I hope the release doesn't lose any of this stuff! « Show Less
1513674
Installed and works well on the windows based platform. Never installed it on linux, however it was basically plug play , so it should.
711433
I've had it working on Windows xp/Vista/7/8/8.1 so far. Unsure about Linux at this point.
1058575
I don't have Linux OS. I have Windows. I have not had any problems. I recommend contacting Brother and asking them.