Gentoo Linux on the Compaq R3000Z (or HP Equivalent)

Ian

OK, so I'm a high school senior in the market for a laptop for college. This morning, my dad pointed out the Compaq R3000Z as a cool laptop he'd want, so we took a trip down to the local Best Buy to check it out. Realized that on the surface, this laptop had about everything I wanted (plus about three pounds, heh...), but there was one thing I'm not sure on.

How easy is it to get Gentoo Linux to run on it? Or, more specifically, does Linux in general have any major issues running on this laptop? I know that the NForce 3 chipset, as well as the AMD 64 chips themselves, are relatively new hardware, and Linux usually doesn't get really good support for hardware until it's been out for a while.

Lastly, are there any other 64 bit laptops out there that aren't from "shady" companies? I don't have too much of a problem with buying generic parts for a desktop, but I'm rather leery of buying an entire machine from a third party company, even though it's probably fine, I'd rather not take the chance. I haven't been able to find many besides the HP/Compaq model, and it's kind of a shame.

Oh, and one more thing, how's the Linux support on HP/Compaq laptops in general?

kwiqsilver · Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 360

Check the two links mentioned here:
https://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic.php?t=180542&highlight=
They both have details on getting linux (slackware and debian) on compaq amd64 notebooks.

Also, buy directly from Compaq/HP. I got mine nicely equipped for $400 less than at Circuit City. They shipped it for free, didn't charge sales tax, and included a $100 mail in rebate.
By ordering it directly, I was also able to get a better battery, more memory, etc. And I had it less than two weeks after I placed the order.

servo888 · Apprentice Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 293

I own a 3190US :-)

. I'm still working on getting it fully running. Some things to point out; there are problems with the pcmcia expansion slot (only 16bit cards will run). There is also suspend / hibernate problems.

But; this is a 64bit laptop; so though you may loose these minor functions you still gain the advantage of a 64bit envoirment. Plus no more windows :-)

. So far I've got Gentoo running on it; I used the 2004.1 x86_64 min cd, and the 2.6.6 kernel.

As on all laptops expect to spend a week working on getting things to work.

The biggest problem I'm having is not being able to the synaptics driver running... As soon as x uses the driver x just crashes... I think it's just segfaulting; which could because it doesn't like the 64bit envoirment.

Over all the laptops in the store; I liked mine the most :-)

. Plus the 2.2Ghz AMD beats all Intel's HT's.

good luck :-)

PS: I use these sites to get my laptop running:
http://cmb.phys.cwru.edu/kisner/linux/compaq-r3000/
http://www1.uop.edu/~khughes/presario-r3120us/

kwiqsilver · Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 360

servo,
Are you getting the 1280x800 resolution to work?
That's my main focus right now (then the touchpad, then the pcmcia wifi).

servo888 · Apprentice Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 293

kwiqsilver · Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 360

I get the blurry console even now. But if I can get X to work at 1280x800, I won't need a console.

Time to go home and try it.

servo888 · Apprentice Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 293

I wonder if anybody knows what the blurry console is all about...

servo888 · Apprentice Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 293

Look at this:

Vishal · n00b Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 3

--
kwiqsilver posted :

Also, buy directly from Compaq/HP. I got mine nicely equipped for $400 less than at Circuit City. They shipped it for free, didn't charge sales tax, and included a $100 mail in rebate.
By ordering it directly, I was also able to get a better battery, more memory, etc. And I had it less than two weeks after I placed the order.
--

kwiqsilver, could you let me know Compay/HP's link online ? I am located in NY. Have been unable to get Compaq or HP's online shopping for quite some time. If anyone could point their link to me, I'd be grateful. Also could you let me know the effective cost of the model you purchased ?

Thanks.

kwiqsilver · Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 360

HP/Compaq store.
Hmm...I just double checked that link and it loads a blank page, which is strange since it's the same url as in the next tab, and that one works fine.
If it doesn't work for you, just go to http://www.shopping.hp.com and choose Compaq Presario under the notebook tab near the top.
There's an HP Pavillion in the same list that's identical except for the packaging (even costs the same). I'd suggest a trip to your local CC or BB to see which case you like more, then get that one.

I recommend the 12 cell battery: 50% more power for $25 is pretty good. And don't get the built-in broadcom wifi, unless it's a "free" upgrade, since it doesn't work with linux.

Vishal · n00b Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 3

kwiqsilver,

Thanks a lot for giving me that link. That link works perfect ! I am close to making a decision on which configuration I want. Just that I am wondering what is the difference between getting the same config from HP or Compaq. There is difference in cost if I get the config from HP or Compaq.

HP Pavilion zv5000z series customize notebook
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3200+ 2.00 GHz
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home
- 512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
- 60 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- 4X DVD+RW/R & CD-RW Combo Drive
- 54g(TM) Integrated Broadcom 802.11b/g Wireless LAN
- FREE Upgrade from 15" XGA to 15.4" WXGA (1280x800)
- 64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- hpshopping in-box envelope
$1,648.00

Compaq Presario R3000Z customize notebook
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3200+ 2.00 GHz
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home
- 512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
- 60 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- 4X DVD+RW/R & CD-RW Combo Drive
- FREEUpgradeto54g(TM) Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN !!
- FREE Upgrade from 15" XGA to 15.4" WXGA (1280x800)
- 64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- hpshopping in-box envelope
$1,479.00

As you see, there is a difference of 169 USD for the same config, HP being the more expensive one. Is it really due to a better build in the HP brand or its just nonsense ? If I really have some advantage in getting it as HP [good case, layout of keys, maybe different motherboard?] I dont mind paying the extra 169 USD. Can anyone let me know ? If I get this sorted out I can place my order ASAP.

Thanks a lot, thanks again kwiqsilver.

Vishal.

kwiqsilver · Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 360

It could be that compaq is giving you the wlan card (which won't work under Linux) "free". Or perhaps they want to sell out of the compaqs for some reason (maybe HP is cancelling the line).
The two machines are virtually identical. They're probably even made on the same assembly line.
I checked them out at a local retailer (I preferred the Compaq's layout) and couldn't find any differences, except the casing, touchpad, and keyboard. That included a cursory search through the windows device manager.
When I priced mine, the two were identically priced at my option level.

K.B. · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 2:31 am Post subject:

It's about time I joined this thread. I just got my CTO R3000Z!

GeForce 4 GO 440
ATHLON 64 3400+
1x 512MB RAM
30 GB 4200 RPM
8x DVD-ROM
802.11 B/G
12 Cell Li-ion
5-in-1 Card Reader
400Mbps Firewire
1280 x 800 TFT
WinXP Home
MS Works & MS Money
-----------------------------
$1199 including shipping!

I uninstalled the K8 driver and it passes Prime 95 at 1.450V 2200MHz.

I will create a 3 GB NTFS partition and see what happens from there!