UL30A-X5 with Linux: How well does this laptop work with Linux?
488210
Yeah, I got Ubuntu running on the X3 (same compy, just silver and a smaller HDD and rated 1 hour less battery life). Natively, only the sound drivers work [with the fn vol +/-/mute working] (neither the ethernet or wireless worked). I found some forum that I don't recall googling about it, and some guy suggested buying an ethernet usb hub to get the necessary packages... Waste of 44bucks. I used ubuntu backports [I am trying to find the packages to link..], restarted and it was running both wireless (with med-strong signal strength compared to win7 with strong+ at this distance) and wired. It glitched once, but a restart and update got it working fine. Without the interwebs on it, you have to download the .deb packages on another system and bring them over with a flashdrive. Screen brightness control so far only works on two settings (adjusted using FN+num key). I haven't messed with it much to get it fully working. Compiz: Fully working, all the effects I like are enabled (i.e. Animations, Cube, 3D windows, etc). I guess that is all to say, if you're a linux nerd like me - you can get it working. It just takes some research and basic know how. EDIT: Oh, and battery life on every laptop I have ever put linux on as lost battery life... I know with mad customization you can get it better. But with battery rated at 11.5hrs for mine, I run Ubuntu for around 6.5 easy (with full performance enabled)... That is just my short experience with it.
290705
Works fine for me but I would recommend using a lightweight distro. What are you planning on using it for?
1339181
I'm running both Win7-64 and Ubuntu 10.04LTS-64 (dual boot). No problems at all. Great little laptop.
1493052
It works out of the box on a laptop I've got Ubuntu on, so you shouldn't have any problems.
2115828
I am using it with zero problems with my Dell Latitude. I see no reason why it wont work with the Thinkpad
329595
I'm running Linux Fedora, and it works like a charm with no setup at all. just plug it in and go. I've never tried Ubuntu, but I assume it would be pretty much the same.
1799935
It's a little low on RAM, but with another 2GB stick it should be able to run Windows 7 fairly well. I'm running Ubuntu 12.04LTS on mine with XBMC using Aeon MQ5 skin and I have zero complaints. Runs quiet and reliably. The only time I ever have to restart it is when one of my add-ons has an issue (not the machine's fault).
1695170
Yes! I presently have it on my Thinkpad X301. It did wonders for performance.
2011763
Running CentOs and Ubuntu without issue. Only hardware feature I have not tested is the bluetooth.
966484
Yup. Used it with Ubuntu and Kubuntu. Linux has low-latency drivers built-in, so you're good to go.
433862
I got the U31SD-XH51 with 2nd-Gen Intel iCore5 and a discrete nVidia GPU for heavy tasks (was on sale for $600USD) instead so I can't exactly tell you anything here. Mine runs extremely cool for browsing stuff and watching videos (fan doesn't even run at all unless I play 3D games). I also give credit to Asus for a well-designed cooling system on their laptop brand. Sources: I still own an HP-DV2210us model so I know exactly what you mean.
1643308
Yes, I have linux installed on mine and use it as a htpc / light weight server so it's always on.
1517901
Yes. You might have to format the drive though. It should be fast enough to run Linux without any issues.
1924479
I have this configured up with multiple windows versions (including Win 8) as well as Linux versions and have not had any issues - device circuitry acts as pass thru - note that I used each slot for a separate o/s and use the power buttons to dictate which o/s will boot.
1638880
Hi, I used it with Micorosft and Linux operating system without any problem, the only things that does not function is Internet Explorer scrolling, but with the lastes SP of windows 7 it function. Hope it helps.
637514
I own this laptop and I have installed Linux Mint 13 onto it with success. I wrote up my experience here: http://milesnielsen.net/blog/minting-linux-my-asus-ultrabook/
2166809
BIOS. Yes you can run linux on it easily. Now if you went with windows 8 or 8.1 it'll be a bit tricky.