Ubuntu 8.10, Dell D630, fan issues and screen repaints issues

On the day of Ubunut 8.10 I’ve upgraded my work laptop (Dell D630) to Ubuntu 8.10. I’ve previously ran my home desktop on the release candidates and saw that all is well so I didn’t expect any specific issues with the upgrade. After finishing the upgrade successfully I’ve encountered 2 problems. The first was with the computer fan. It was workin on and off in full steam in 4 seconds cycles. [Read More]

Solution (sort of): Mic problems with Skype on Dell D630 and Ubuntu 7.10 (gutsy gibbon)

If you are using Skype on Ubuntu 7.10 (Gusty Gibbon) on a Dell D630 and have the “famous” internal microphone problems due to the HD-Intel chipset, I’ve found a simple solution, sort of. I recently bought a Plantronics .Audio 470 headset at Best Buy for $50. Its a nice headset with good sound quality and a good mic that is also fold-able for good portability. That headset also comes with a USB adapter which allows you to basically get a USB based sound card so you can use that headset with machines without a sound card (or a problematic sound card/chipset…). [Read More]

Israeli Shortage in High End Laptops

At Yedda (my day job) we recently ordered 3 new laptops. Our spec was very specific (that’s how we are ;-) ): Core Duo 2 running on at least 2Ghz 2Gb of RAM 100Gb or more hard drive WXGA+ screen (1440×960 resolution) 14.1″ screen Non shared memory video card DVD burner The reason we want 14.1″ screens is due to size and weight (some of us, not me, rides on bikes and/or motorcycles to get to the YeddaHQ). [Read More]