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Contributor forteller on the Hardware support category

External monitor recognition for laptops   forum
Written by corfy the 5 Mar 08 at 04:17. Global category: Hardware support. Implemented
I have a laptop that I have Kubuntu installed on. It works great when I'm using it as a laptop. But at the office, I have a docking station that hooks my laptop up to an external keyboard, monitor, power supply, network, speakers, and basically turns my laptop into a desktop computer. However, my external monitor is 4:3, while my laptop monitor is widescreen, so every time I plug in, I have to change my monitor settings (resolution and screen size), and then change them back when I switch back to laptop mode. It would be really nice if it could do this detection automatically, or be able to set up settings for a second monitor that I could switch back and forth.

I'm sure a similar problem occurs with projectors, but I haven't had a chance to confirm that.
1245
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #3253
Written by corfy the 5 Mar 08 at 04:17.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #3253 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 12 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 03:12) >>

Enhance mobile devices sync  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
spec
forum
Written by jherran the 28 Feb 08 at 15:01. Global category: Hardware support. In development
There are lot of people having troubles syncing their devices (pda, smartphones, etc.) with ubuntu. At this poing there is only one solution available, multisync, and works for only a few devices, and it's very limited on their functions.

And I think, this is a very important point for lots of people.

**Suggestions from duplicate idea 397 work on that idea :

1) Clean up the Opensync and SyncML plugin packages to work properly with Evolution by default.

2) Set up an official Ubuntu SyncML server for Ubuntu users.

3) Possibly clean up open source SyncML clients for the different mobile platforms.

Developer comments
The current status of mobile devices synchronization in Linux is generally is quite shaky. It *can* work but it's a lot of work usually. There are a few efforts around but there's no single project that works in the majority of the situations.

This is also caused by manufacturers not using a single synchronization protocol. The most promising project now is OpenSync[1] which supports basically SyncML 1.1 and the Nokia variation and it works with several degrees of success between phones and desktops but the project itself is in a constant alpha state with a lot of issues, the GUI is simplistic and there are no integrated resources to sync with online contacts/calendars
like Google's. This can be overcome by preparing Evolution and/or Thunderbird to do it.

In short, despite the infrastructure is mostly there, we need work to make it a seamless experience for the user.
Bear in mind that this is a huge effort. Synchronization looks simple but there's a lot of factors and situations that need to be addressed like how to synchronize devices with different capabilities and how to keep 3 way synchronizations (desktop, online and mobile).
4448
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #28
Written by jherran the 28 Feb 08 at 15:01.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #28 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
55
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#2): Sync both PC and phone with google calendar & contacts
Written by fc.truter the 2 Jun 09 at 20:27.
Instead of creating hardware interfaces for every phone/PC combination, Canonical could take different approach, and sync both devices to a online service such as Google Contacts/Calendar or perhaps even with Ubuntu One.

On the PC side, Evolution already supports this to an extent but the process can be made much more streamlined. From the phone side, projects like GCalSync have already started something like this but few have seen the potential in this, and there is massive room for improvement.

This could be the next step in cloud computing and could bypass all the device driver issues and unwilling hardware manufacturers, since most phones already support Java or a similar language.
29
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#3): Get behind Conduit and make it shine
Written by socceroos the 23 Oct 09 at 00:04.
Conduit seems to be a worthy step in the right direction to solve this particular issue. I would suggest that Canonical puts some muscle behind this and kill off this issue once and for all.

http://live.gnome.org/Conduit
-5
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#4): multisync
Written by sn0m the 11 Dec 09 at 19:34.
multisync seems to work fine, it just needs fine tunning with ubuntu and evolution.
All we need is contacts, calendar and notes to synch, who cares about sending text or making calls through whatever.
12
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#5): Create a Syncing API for better syncing between different programs and devices
Written by AdlerHorst the 27 Dec 09 at 13:38.
I Think this API should store a Database on local or Ubuntu One in that the Data should be stored in the most detailed version.

eg: The street of the address should be split in the Data base into Streetname and houseNr.

Sync modules for connections and Data fields and merging/split should give the access on other devices.

This tool should not only could be used for Contact, Calendar, ToDo, Notice and Messages. File Syncing like rsync should also be possible to use with.

See the 72 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 10 Dec 11 at 13:55) >>

Integrate restricted audio drivers  
Written by l0rdraiden the 28 Feb 08 at 20:11. Global category: Hardware support. Not an idea
Improve the compatibility with the sounds cards, for example Realtek has drivers for linux you can integrate them like in ubuntu with the graphic drivers (restricted drivers of nvidia and ati).

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24 &Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false#2
1388
votes
closed
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #186
Written by l0rdraiden the 28 Feb 08 at 20:11.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #186 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 21 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 1 Dec 11 at 06:10) >>

Auto-generated Ubuntu Laptop compatibility DB  
Written by zartocle the 15 Dec 09 at 10:41. Global category: Hardware support. Implemented
Laptop compatibility is increasingly becoming vital for every OS that aims to be competitive nowadays. I never had great troubles with Ubuntu but we don't live in a perfect world; there is still some uncertainty when somebody comes to decide to buy a new PC.
Yes, there are online databases like www.ubuntuhcl.org , but users have to manually and purposely register there and write down reviews; I think that process could be automated, at least partially.
265
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Tweak System Testing to request laptop model
Written by zartocle the 15 Dec 09 at 10:41.
I think it'd be very useful a tweak to System Testing prompting the user to insert his laptop name, after the test has been completed: that could be used to automatically compile a table listing the results of the test for every laptop which was tested. This could be made partnering with www.ubuntuhcl.org or by creating a "Laptop DB" into Launchpad: something simple, just a table showing model and test report for every hardware part. The maximum result with the minimum effort...

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day! :-)
151
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Engage big companies to help!
Written by Andaril the 16 Dec 09 at 00:51.
Ask help in testing laptops, hardware and creating drivers.

Even if driver for special keys will be proprietary it will be more comfortable wait for free one having working one already.
78
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Open Hardware
Written by Andaril the 16 Dec 09 at 00:59.
To make open hardware became true is need protect business that will manufacture it. If all world will make only one open hardware part I think it will be more then possible to make open PC in near future.
43
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Compatibility DB for single hardware components
Written by hlippek the 29 Dec 09 at 09:16.
I think, it would make sense having a compatibility-DB of the several HW components that are used in Laptop models (e.g. for network, wifi, sound, graphics, ...). Many Laptop-models use same HW components.

The DB should include information about the state of driver support for Linux, drivers in Ubuntu repository, propritary/open-source.
A Laptop-Model shoud be seen as a combination of many hardware components. With that DB you can create some kind of Rating or percentage of compatibility for each Laptop Model.
29
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Tweak System Testing to request desktop models as well
Written by mattmyers83 the 2 Jan 10 at 20:52.
I like solution #1 but I think desktop model requests should be included as well.
2
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Integrate Into Web API
Written by armware the 12 Jan 10 at 07:43.
This way the ubuntu installer that runs in windows (wubi, i think) could, if not detect, ask what model the computer is and could lookup the compatibility and give an honest, up to date assessment, and hopefully expandable details.
5
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): wine apps similar DB for ubuntu compatibility. computers and hardware components
Written by pererik87 the 14 Jan 10 at 00:42.
Many people are having problems with drivers etc. and the solutions are often different for each computer, and some computers's have multiple problems that NEEDS TO BE FIXED. Make it easier to check if the computer or hardware you are going to buy works with ubuntu.

I was looking at this http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&sTitle=Browse%20Ap plications&sOrderBy=appName&bAscending=true
site. then the thought, what if it was desktops on this site. And then what if it was hardware there as well.

This would make it easier for everyone. developers can use this as a database to check how people solved problems. new ubuntuers can find a solution to all their computer problems all in one and easily check for problems before buying. the sales devisions can check it fast if a costumer ask.

neither one of these is good enough or has a inviting look usability and feel over themselves.

http://hwdb.ubuntu.com/
http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupport

The forum is a help, but its not always as easy to find what you are looking for and is not presented quite as nicely.

they are working on something here.
https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/better-hardware-database

so my suggestion is as following. a similar database to wine apps, customized to suit the needs and look of a hardware database, complying to all the needs developers, community, users, newbies, expert, computer vendors and others might have.

See the 7 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Nov 11 at 22:25) >>

Implement A Device Detection Tool & Install Check Tool Like Solaris Does  
Written by erythrocyte the 9 Nov 08 at 14:38. Global category: Hardware support. Implemented
Solaris has two nifty multiplatform utilities called "Sun Device Detection Tool" ( http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/hcts/device_detect.jsp ) and "Install Check Tool" ( http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/hcts/install_check.jsp ) . A reincarnation of the former is also implemented in OpenSolaris and is called "Device Driver Utility" ( http://dlc.sun.com/osol/docs/content/IPS/devdriver.html ).

These utilities basically check to see if your hardware can run to its full potential on Sun's operating systems and the names of specific drivers for that hardware. This way users have full confidence about what to expect from their systems before they install the OS, with zero fuss. It would be great if these utilities could be ported to Ubuntu or if similar utilities could be implemented in the near future. Hardware manufacturers and buyers can see for themselves how compatible any given system is, with a couple of clicks of a mouse!

Detailed descriptions follow:-

--
Sun's Device Detection Tool:

Sun Device Detection Tool helps you to detect whether the Solaris Operating System (OS) can be installed on your x86 or x64 system. This tool indicates in a couple of minutes whether the Solaris OS supports the devices that are detected in your x86 or x64 system. It generates a table that shows whether a Solaris driver exists for each device that the tool detects. The table also indicates whether the driver is built-in with the Solaris OS or available in OpenSolaris community web site or whether a third-party driver is available.
--

Installation Check Tool:

[....]
272
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #15441
Written by erythrocyte the 9 Nov 08 at 14:38.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #15441 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Nov 11 at 22:05) >>

Add support for hybrid graphic cards  
Written by gmeier the 29 Sep 08 at 17:45. Global category: Hardware support. New
More and more notebooks have hybrid graphic cards now. It would be very nice to see this battery saving technology supported under linux.
89
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #13862
Written by gmeier the 29 Sep 08 at 17:45.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #13862 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 Nov 11 at 16:04) >>

Hardware Compatability Tester  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Not started
Assignee :
spec
Written by DPic the 13 Mar 08 at 04:56. Global category: Hardware support. Implemented
There should be a hardware compatibility tool that a user can run to determine how compatible their hardware is with Ubuntu or Gobuntu and also whether there is non-native support for it. People are lazy and will want to know whether it will work before even trying the LiveCD.
1316
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #4444
Written by DPic the 13 Mar 08 at 04:56.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4444 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
9
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Add a 'Hardware Compatibility' option to the live CD menu
Written by danellisuk the 17 Jan 10 at 17:17.
The idea of having the option on the live CD menu, means the option does not depend on the graphics system working. The hardware compatibility test wouldn't have to state that the hardware definitely works, rather it would perform a simple blacklist check of hardware known not to work.

When I read various forum posts about hardware compatibility, I see many threads about certain devices which are well known as not being compatible. Sometimes people state to run 'lspci' (list PCI devices) and to check for certain hardware makes/models.

The hardware compatibility check could perform this simple operation and check the output against a blacklist file which includes a small description of the device and any warnings.

This would be an excellent first test when testing a live cd on laptops in a computer shop. It's all very well booting the live CD to test, but testing a wireless connection may not be possible. If the wireless chip is known to not work, it would be an ideal time to warn the user.

Obviously the state of Linux compatibility changes over time, so the blacklist would be for the particular version of Ubuntu.

See the 23 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Jul 11 at 04:54) >>

Make mouse backward/forward buttons work in Firefox and Nautilus   forum
Written by surban the 31 Mar 08 at 21:30. Global category: Hardware support. Implemented
I have a Logitech Mx510 mouse.

It has a backwards and a forwards key on the side. In Windows these keys can be used to navigate backward and forward in the browser and file manager.

In Ubuntu these buttons are detected but have no effect in Firefox and Nautilus. Please make these buttons work by default in these applications.
526
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #6186
Written by surban the 31 Mar 08 at 21:30.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #6186 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Jun 11 at 08:35) >>

Ubuntu switching advisor for windows  
Written by manishmahabir the 25 Oct 08 at 12:53. Global category: Hardware support. New
Today Ubuntu has reached a stage where it can successfully replace windows in home as well as office desktops.
Actually many people are now switching to ubuntu or are now ready to give it a try.

As known to linux community, many hardware vendors have kept their hardware closed source.As a result the open source community has been unable to provide adequate support for the hardware.

usually the hardware we buy has a logo 'certified for windows vista', and similarly for xp.people never know whether it is open or closed hardware or how well the hardware is supported under ubuntu.

i know that there are websites which contain a list of hardware supported under ubuntu.

it would be nice to have a tool for windows which could gather the data about the hardware connected to pc (similar to hardware testing in ubuntu). Based on the data it should generate a friendly report about the current status of support for the available hardware,specially graphics card or wireless card.It would help to prevent any post installation blues.

An additional feature which could suggest the linux counterparts of installed windows applications would be a killer addition.

It wll go a long way in solving bug no. 1 in launchpad!
147
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #14800
Written by manishmahabir the 25 Oct 08 at 12:53.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #14800 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 10 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 27 Jun 11 at 11:40) >>

Suggest APT packages for specific devices  
Written by Auzy the 17 Apr 08 at 10:02. Global category: Hardware support. New
Its one thing to have drivers to support a device. Its another to know which applications to install to use the device. I propose setting up a database which tells you what Applications you need to use your new device.


So if I want to know which TV Tuner programs I need for my TV tuner, I just select my TV tuner, and it will tell me which programs to install. If I set up a wiimote, it should highlight the wiimote libraries. And finally, if I get a blu-ray drive, it could suggest CD/DVD/blu ray burning/playback software.

And its not that hard to code really. It is just a basic database
94
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #7158
Written by Auzy the 17 Apr 08 at 10:02.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #7158 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

See the 2 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Mar 11 at 06:15) >>

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