Compaq Armada 1750 (200MHz PIIMMX, 192MB)

CD and hd-install.
- some early issues with sound, but the following aliases entry worked
+ apm support fine

alias sound-slot-0 sb
# options sound dmabuf=1
alias synth0 opl3
options opl3 io=0x388
options sb io=0x220 irq=5 dma=0 dma16=5 mpu_io=0x330 isapnp=0

# alias via82cxxx via82cxxx_audio

(intend to try 2.6.2 plus alsa real soon now

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Dell Latitude C840 (1.6GHz P4M, 512MB)

CD and hd-install ok
- apm not well supported ("Dell broken BIOS"), LCD backlight can however be turned off manually Fn+D. Most other devices supported as-is, including firewire and usb external storage and scanner.
- acpi (recompiled kernel 2.4.23), not supported, LCD backlight can't be turned off, though intensity can be changed via kb Fn+arrows
- change base hd-install to kernels 2.6.x ok. Kernel update was mainly to test and add new Alsa support. Sound (as sb compatible) is good with external speakers.

Upgraded system to kernel 2.6.2 which fixed earlier laptop issues with 2.6.x such as usb mouse, etc.