Chudd
03-05-2006, 10:46 AM
Hi all,
Having just purchased an Aurora m7700 from Alienware I was shocked to read that they lock their NVidia cards so that non-alienware drivers don't work and that if you flash the vid bios to allow it, you void warranty :eek:
( http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=138026 )
Since Alienware obviously won't release drivers for linux, this could cause some serious problems getting the NVidia card running 3D. Has anyone had any experience with the latest alienware offerings and getting a solid linux install running? The reason I ask is this: at at the moment my 2-day old laptop is in a box awaiting pick up to go back for service on a dud optical drive bay (don't say it: I know, I know - I read all those foums too :rolleyes: ) Here in Germany there is a 14 day "Ruckgaberecht" i.e. entitlement to full refund on internet purchases with no questions asked, irrespective of whether goods are defective or not. So, if alienware is "locking down" their systems and making a linux install difficult I WILL send it all back. That would simply be the tipping point for me.
BTW, pls forgive another "linux on XYZ" question but the search function seems to be behaving oddly at the moment and since the courier is here tomorrow, I may have a computer system to pack...
Cheers
Rich
Having just purchased an Aurora m7700 from Alienware I was shocked to read that they lock their NVidia cards so that non-alienware drivers don't work and that if you flash the vid bios to allow it, you void warranty :eek:
( http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=138026 )
Since Alienware obviously won't release drivers for linux, this could cause some serious problems getting the NVidia card running 3D. Has anyone had any experience with the latest alienware offerings and getting a solid linux install running? The reason I ask is this: at at the moment my 2-day old laptop is in a box awaiting pick up to go back for service on a dud optical drive bay (don't say it: I know, I know - I read all those foums too :rolleyes: ) Here in Germany there is a 14 day "Ruckgaberecht" i.e. entitlement to full refund on internet purchases with no questions asked, irrespective of whether goods are defective or not. So, if alienware is "locking down" their systems and making a linux install difficult I WILL send it all back. That would simply be the tipping point for me.
BTW, pls forgive another "linux on XYZ" question but the search function seems to be behaving oddly at the moment and since the courier is here tomorrow, I may have a computer system to pack...
Cheers
Rich