Sony Laptop PCG-801a & Linux
 

I'm posting this after spending a lot of time searching around for info on what Linux will work on a Sony Laptop PCG-801a. Might save some time for others...

I'd been thinking of moving from windows me for a while - the laptop is a nice bit of hardware, spolit by an operating system that is unreliable - crashing and freezing more that is acceptable.

This is what I've learnt over the last few days:

Linux 7.2 installs without any problems - when it comes to selecting the display, the default driver (forget the name) works fine - the display that works is the Sony CPD1430. Installation was smooth and without problems.

If I knew enough about Linux, I would have been able to configure nework access (cable and wireless). I'm working on this! I've also tried Mandrake 9.2 - this installed fine and looked very hopeful. But I've not been able to get into it as I get can't find x-server error. Same problem with Mandrake 10.

The Mandrake 9.2 Move disk works well and connects to cable without any needing configuration. The best movable linux I've tried so far is the Knoppix version.

Please add any comments, help and experiences on using linux on this laptop.

Stumblefingers