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Acer Aspire 5738, 4736
Author(s)
Ashok Gautham (ScriptDevil@gmail.com)
Introduction
Acer Aspire 5738 and its smaller sister Acer Aspire 4736 have the same configuration but for the monitor size and 5738 has a separate numpad. I use a lot of screenspace and so I chose the larger one. But whatever I type here is applicable to both the models. ( I can confirm this because a friend of mine has a 4736). Acer has revamped its keyboard in these models and they are really a pleasure to type in. They are really flat and are very delicate and sensitive. I feel like I could be typing for hours without any stress. The touchpad at times(as usual) gets in between you and your typing. You can lock it using the 1-touch touchpad lock. However, to unlock it, you have to remove and add the kernel module after unlocking through the button. I dont find this a huge problem. # modprobe -r psmouse && modprobe psmouse
This page is just for discussing using Linux on the Acer Aspire 5738. For a general discussion about this laptop you can visit the Acer Aspire 5738 page on LapWik.
Specifications
For full specifications see the Acer Aspire 5738 specifications page.
| Name | Acer Aspire 5738 and Aspire 4736 |
| Processor | Core2Duo T6400, Centrino 1 technology(2.0 GHz, 800MHz FSB) |
| Screen | 15.6, 1366×768, 16:9 HD(5738); 14.1(5746) |
| RAM | 3GB DDR3 |
| HDD | 320 GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD-RW/Multirecorder |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 4500MHD |
| Network | Ethernet, Bluetooth, WLan 802.11DraftN |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | I used a 64bit and a 32 bit livecd |
| Screen | Yes | Brightness keys works fine under ubuntu 9.10 |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | I am yet to test writing capabilities, but it will work |
| Graphics | Yes | Debian/Ubuntu/Mandriva get it out of the box while we have to add xdriver=vesa for Fedora's DVD |
| Sound | Yes | Yes. Note: Headset plugin to the black hole |
| Ethernet | Yes | Not working with ubuntu 9.04[fine after update], but ok with 9.10 |
| Wireless | Yes | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | I dont care anyway |
| USB | Yes | Even Supports booting from usb cdroms and usb sticks |
| Firewire | None | |
| Card Reader | Yes | |
| ExpressCard Slot | None | |
| Camera | Yes | Works out of the box on Cheese. But is not detected in mandriva |
| VGA Output | Yes | Tested in Ubuntu 9.10 |
| HDMI Output | Not Tested |
Notes
Excellent buy. It is dirt cheap. It is energy star compliant too :D
Summary
I got each part working on a different distro. So it is surely bound to work with some configuration.`
