On Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 07:02 Tom Browder <tom.brow...@gmail.com> wrote: > > I'm preparing to install Win 10 and Deb 9 on a new ZaReason laptop which has > no installed OS on it.
Again, thanks to all who offered help. I have my new Zareason laptop up and running! Basic specs: UltraLap 6440 i7 Processor: i7-8550U 8 GB DDR4-2133 Video Card: Intel UHD 620 (included) M.2 SSD: 120GB M.2 SSD (included) 2.5: empty I added a second SSD: Samsung EVO 860 1 Tb (the case was easy to open, and it was easy to install the SSD). The system comes with a DVD which has some drivers and user manuals. I printed the first 28 pages of the condensed user manual for easy reference. I used an external ASUS USB DVD for the installations. I installed Win 10 first on the 120 Gb SS drive that came with the laptop. I had some trouble deciding which of the hardware-provided drivers were necessary, but finally, after several aborted, trial-and-error attempts, I had success with just installing the LAN driver so the hard-wired internet would work. It then took several hours to get Win 10 fully up-to-date. I let Windows have about 50 Gb and I have about 70 Gb unallocated of the 120 Gb at the moment. I had no luck installing Deb 9, but Deb 10 Buster installed fine (with the MATE desktop) using the rc1 #1 DVD and a hard-wired internet connection. I chose to use guided partitioning with the entire 1 Tb second SSD for Debian. After installation I had to adjust the /etc/apt sources for Buster, and then had to install package firmware-iwlwlan for the WLAN. After a reboot, all my wireless networks were accessible. The characters on the default screen display, 1920x1080, were too tiny for my old eyes, but all looks great after I downsized the display to 1440x820. So far I am happy with the new Zareason laptop. Nate, at their support email address, has been responsive and answered all my questions. The only complaint I have is the lack of an LED to show caps lock, but others had noted that and I knew it before I bought the laptop. The laptop is over two pounds lighter than my old one, and it is a joy to keep near my easy chair to use casually in my lap if I have a moment to do some light hacking while watching TV. Regarding Buster: I've noticed some slight delays while using the touchpad, but I hope that will get a dev's attention before the real release. However, the nice thing is I can turn the touchpad off in the settings if I want to use a mouse. There is a Fn+F1 key combo that is supposed to toggle the touchpad but it doesn't work for me on Debian. Maybe there is a way to get that to work with some config under the Deb hood. Best regards, -Tom
