Acer TimelineX 3820TG

I recently purchased my first new Laptop (I had previously bought either desktops, used my work laptop or bought used ones). I wasn't really looking for a computer that would be compatible with Linux because as I mentioned in a previous post I was using Windows (esp., because of work).

I bought the Acer TimelineX because of the fairly positive reviews and the good specs at a decent price.

Unfortunately it had Windows 7 on it and had no XP drivers whatsoever. I hate the Windows 7 GUI. On top of that, sSince it was a 64 bit system, I started having problems using it at work because of driver support (amongst other things).

Then I had an idea. Why not just virtualize Windows XP (using Virtualbox) and choose a host OS which in which I could modify the GUI to my liking. Enter Ubuntu 10.10.

Ubuntu installed without problem, however I found many new issues such as:

• How to use the switchable Graphics? 
• How to dim the damn display
• How to get more battery life (2 hrs wasn't good enough in this day and age)
• Why am I getting so many error messages at shutdown? 

Going forward, I will be posting articles on getting Ubuntu working nicely with this laptop.  Judging from the forums, there are many others like me who would like to use Ubuntu on the TimeLineX series.