Linux

Kernel

Support is in the mainline kernel except for:

• Fingerprint reader
• Touchscreen
• Panel buttons

Wireless

It’s an Atheros 5008 card, supported fully by the ath5k driver.  Early driver versions in old kernels such as 2.6.30 have very shaky hardware support, therefore unless you’re running the latest available code, I would recommend swapping it out.  I’ve removed the integrated wireless card in favour of an Intel 5350AGN, which has been working well in the laptop. It draws a bit more power, but gives me WiMax support(another big kernel/userland headache), and dual band 802.11n.

Warning:  This information comes without a warranty.  I wont guarantee support if you break your hardware.  Im not responsible for anything you do with this information.  For entertainment purposes only.  I`m probably lying.

1.  Obtain your Windows ISO.  Probably using MSDNAA or something.

2.  Make sure your hard drive is partitioned properly.  This means leaving one partition open for windows.  Make sure it`s easily identifiable from the windows installer(I give Windows 120GB of my 160GB drive).  For this demonstration, I will use the 1st partition on my 1st disk(referred to as sda1).  You can create a partition for this by using the GParted application to shrink a partition, then use the free space to create the windows partition.

I started the journey long ago with >Ion3. My main problem with it was the terrible default configuration. Hundreds of lines of incomprehensible Lua means that it’s very difficult to write a proper laptop status bar. I slogged through, learned Lua, and eventually came up with something that was usable. Then I learned of the author’s bat-shit insane-ness. Not wanting to get sued, I switched away. I wanted something that was easy to understand and script with a “large” install base.

So far build quality seems good, and it’s battery life is working as advertised(although I haven’t had it for long enough to do a completely battery drain test.  It comes with a stylus and 3 magnets for attaching to a refrigerator.  The magnets are TOUGH to pull apart.  I’d recommend using a butter knife or box cutter to wedge between them.  According to my Kill-A-Watt, the entire laptop uses 14 watts with the backlight on and battery charging.  With the base disconnected, the entire laptop uses 8 watts charging!  That’s significantly below all of the Atom, and even Ultra-Low-Voltage Core 2 stuff I’ve seen.  I’d estimate that the laptop would draw 4-6 watts without charging.