# Acer Aspire 1410

This page will eventually hold information to install Arch Linux on the Acer Aspire 1410. Here is the (albeit empty) forum post for discussion: https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?pid=626296

This laptop is almost perfect for Linux. It has Intel chipset on motherboard (includes OpenGL 2.0-compatible video) and well-known Atheros network devices (on some models). Even special keyboard and suspend work fine.

## Summary

### Specifications

Hardware | Details | Driver/Status
--- | --- | ---
Graphics | Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD | Install xf86-video-intel
Wireless | [8804] Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless or Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter | Install iwlwifi-5000-ucode Out-of-box (kernel module ath9k)
Ethernet | Attansic Technology Gigabit Ethernet or Atheros Communications Device 1063 | Works out-of-box
Audio | Built-in speakers Headphone Jack Integrated Microphone Microphone Jack | Works Works Untested Untested
Card Reader | 5-in-1 card reader: MultiMediaCard™ Secure Digital Memory Stick® Memory Stick PRO™ xD-Picture Card™ | Untested Works Untested Works Works
Webcam | Chicony Electronics Co. Ltd | Works out-of-box
Touchpad |  | Install xf86-input-evdev, xf86-input-synaptics
HDMI Out |  | Works OOTB

## Installing Arch

### Pre-Install

If you are receiving errors booting or during the install, try setting the SATA mode to "IDE" in the BIOS. This is not necessary for all users.

### During the Installation

Be sure to install the necessary wireless driver (see above), "wireless_tools", and optionally "netcfg" if you would like wireless to work post-install.

Note for beginners: connect to wifi-router directly by ethernet cable, or completely switch-off authentication. After that install Arch from network mirrors, reload and install network-manager with your preferred Desktop Environment.

### Post-Install

#### Kernel Issues

Kernel 2.6.36 and 2.6.37 often freeze the system. Make sure to upgrade to newest kernel. This also fixes issues with the touchpad.

#### Setup the Touchpad

Make sure to install xf86-input-synaptics. Don't forget to enable the touchpad with <Fn>-F7. The following threads might also be interesting: [1] [2]

Kernel 2.6.36 has an annoying bug makeing the touchpad finicky. A temporary workaround [3] is:

    xinput --set-prop "SynPS/2 Synaptics TouchPad" "Synaptics Two-Finger Pressure" 280

Please note that since kernel 2.6.38 the touchpad works well and no such fix is necessary.

#### Fan Issues

If the noise is running too often or making too much noise, try installing the latest version of acerhdf.

#### Panel aspect ratio

Default mode for this laptop is 1366x768 (widescreen). Different resolutions may look ugly because of whole-screen-stretching. To overcome this do the command from regular user:

    xrandr --output LVDS1 --set "scaling mode" "Full aspect"

## Extra resources

- Official US site
- Linux Laptop
- Ubuntu wiki
- Thread post containing specs of different models
- Thread of tips, tricks, & tweaks
- Power saving tips and tricks from Ubuntu forum

Category:

- Acer