[nzlug] First Contact Protocols needed: Acer in Touch

[simon]

On Sat, 2008-05-17 at 01:04 +1200, Nevyn wrote:
> I would really like to offer the services of people like ourselves to
> make custom builds for any future products being released with Linux
> installed. Hopefully avoiding the situation of products being released
> without the proper support.

It may be more useful to couch it in terms of a certification/support
program - or a database similar to the linux on laptops or the ubuntu
laptop testing pages.

I have pushed that the NZ-FOSS community (as represented on this list)
are keen to encourage and support further gnu/linux offerings. Farming
out the build/testing process to interested members is certainly
something that can be pitched. I think they are a bit taken-aback by the
amount and type of interest.

> 
> If they're insisting on using Connexant modems I would also like to
> strike some sort of deal with Linuxant.

Or proprietary drivers in general. I am sure that if Acer approached
Linuxant with a bulk deal (like Dell) then the modem problem will go
away very fast. This may not be something that Acer NZ can do. The
Ubuntu 7.10 build for the 4315, for example, came from Australia. The NZ
team were told this was a "vanilla linux" build which would be community
supported.

>  Even if the drivers aren't
> included by default, as I'm sure most people won't use the modem in
> such machines, an easy option to install with a considerable discount
> (given a name like Acer behind such a deal).
> 
Dell have linuxant drivers available to their customers. I also pointed
out that, if the HW dosn't work, it should be obvious from looking at
the box. ASUS, for eg, have plugged up the modem port on the Eee. A
rubber plug over the mic hole and modem port on the 4315 would have
saved them a few complaints.

It is sensible to include proprietary drivers on an Acer support page. I
think it should be possible to have an Acer-Linux site hosted at
acer.co.nz which would provide the needed, first instance, customer
support. But something which became clear in the phone call is that the
OEM vendors actually need support also. The top people have no training
to handle the way FOSS works.

> The only thing we would really need from Acer or any other OEM would
> be two of such products. One to experiment on and one to try any final
> solutions and use to make the final build.
> 
I did it with one - and community feedback. Though I would have like an
extra HDD for the final image.

> This allows us to make sure Linux is installed properly. Things like
> frame buffer drivers if switching between X and console doesn't work
> properly, making additional keys work properly, allowing for CPU
> scaling, sort out hibernate and suspend, making sure all the hardware
> works etc. Just those extra bits and pieces which would make Linux a
> much more enjoyable experience without feeling like you're making a
> sacrifice by buying a Linux machine.

We need to remember, however, that we know what gnu/linux is capable of
- what it can be like. The 4315 is only dissappointing from an
experienced linux POV. Compared to XP, it rocks. Technically, they
needed only make sure nobody had excess expectations in the shop.

The default gutsy need only have been modified to remove the extra
options in the logout menu, add wifi drivers. The bios needed to be
changed and the modem hole plugged. You'd then have a solid, cheap,
appliance. De-blacklisting the i965 board would be a formality.

I am keen to take this into the future - should there be more of these,
it would be nice to be able to make sure of them.