I currently use Debian as main OS on my Acer Travelmate 212TXV (specifications). I used the network install cd to install the base system with the laptop packages. After that I installed KDE, OpenOffice and GIMP. I use the computer for internet (browsing, RSS, email, MSN and IRC), text editing and programming and except for the above programs I use the programs that come with KDE.

When compared to Debian 3.1 the boottime has improved a lot¹ but I think in general the KDE system is a little bit slower especially when a lot of data has to be loaded or when I have many processes open but what else can be expected from an old laptop. I still have to tweak it a lot which may lead to a smoother running system.

The Debian installer had problems finding my dvd-rom and also loading my PCMCIA card. This was caused by a problem with ACPI which has something to do with the hardware lay-out in newer computers. My old laptop doesn't seem to support this and the solution is to add the following to the boot command "linux acpi=off". After that the install went very well.

After I shutdown my computer it stops at system halted and doesn't power down the computer. I used to solve this by installing apmd (advanced power management daemon) but this doesn't seem to solve the problem. when running "apmd -?" for testing it generates the error "No APM support in kernel" It seems that the kernel supports apm but it is turned off by default. This problem and a solution is mentioned in the release notes, this didn't work out for me, I also had to load apm=power_off to my /etc/modules as is mentioned in the original bugreport. If you don't mind recompiling your kernell you might also want to have a look at this thread.

When I wanted to play a CD I noticed sound was missing, I still don't understand the linux sound system but I got it working thanks to this thread. When running alsaconf it asks you to stop all sound applications, then it unloads alsa sound driver modules, builds a card database and will let you choose one of the systems found, choose the ali5451. Now you'll be asked if you want to modify /etc/modprobe.d/sound, choose yes here and alsaconf will set up your system.