T42p's getting Wrecking Ball...

[Smokestoomuch]

I really like the T4X platform, can't exactly say why this is so. I've been having big problems running YouTube vids. I did see the post about running Win 7 and IE and I thought it might also help to dumb-down the T42p's screen from UXGA to XGA (this is NOT a software change, I mounted XGA screens on T42p's). My reference video was the Vevo Miley Cyrus video, WRECKING BALL. That's the video I noticed my T42p's having a lot of trouble. Here's what I found:

T42p, XGA screen, Win 7, IE---- Perfect replay.

T42p, XGA screen, Xubuntu 14.04, FF---- Audio out of sync. Not too bad. Just slightly jerky.

T42p, SXGA+ (1400x1050), Win 7, IE----- Perfect replay.

T42p, SXGA+ (1400x1050), Win 7, FF----- Horrible. You're watching still frames that change every few seconds.

T42p, XGA, Win 7, FF----- Not perfect, not horrible. Seems audio is just a few thousands out of sync. One or two minor stop/start.

T42p, SXGA+ (1400x1050), Xubuntu 14.04, FF-- Horrible. Audio static. Audio completely out of sync. Vid runs slow & jerky.

[brchan]

I have found the performance in general of ubuntu based distros (ex. xubuntu) to be poor compared similar distros such as linux mint xfce. I would recommend installing and using a lightweight window manager such as openbox, or even better, jwm/ratpoison. This should free up some resources to be able to play videos smoothly. Also, try using chrome. I have experienced much better flash video performance than firefox.

For reference, my T43 with SXGA+ screen, 2.0ghz cpu, X1300 gpu, and 2gb ram running arch linux + ratpoison window manager can play fullscreen lag-free (most videos) 1080p youtube videos using chrome. It does not break a sweat when playing 720p video.

[theterminator93]

I'm also noticing that IE on any system runs fine regardless of the resolution. None of the FireFox tests were perfect. Hmmm....

[600X]

IE is very efficient compared to Firefox.

[Smokestoomuch]

brchan says "running arch linux + ratpoison window manager can play fullscreen lag-free (most videos) 1080p youtube videos using chrome. It does not break a sweat when playing 720p video".

Wow, I spent a few hours putting that Arch Linux on my system and all I've got to show for it is a blinking curser. Cruel shoes. I'm all for minimal but I think most of us can agree that we want an automatic WiFi connection and a graphical interface. Got a suggestion that is minimal but not where you're hand loading the most essential everyday items? That Arch Linux seems unnecessarily extreme. Plus, I don't have a month to spend loading my operating system to the point where it's usable.

[ajkula66]

Plus, I don't have a month to spend loading my operating system to the point where it's usable.

My first question would be along the lines of why you'd consider moving from W7 to a *nix platform with a T42p to begin with?

As a suggestion, I've ran both Fedora 19 and CentOS 6.5 on my T42p machines and was quite pleased. Obviously, YMMV.

Good luck.

[brchan]

Yes, arch linux can be a bit a pain to install out of the box, but the beginners guide is all you need to get started. There is even a script that someone made to help automate the process. After installation of the base system you can install he Wicd cli network manager which will automatically connect to networks you specify. Additionally, you need to install the display drivers and window manager. After login, you can execute 'startx' to start the window manager and actually run gui programs.

The learning experience is great, as it shows you how the linux system really works. You basically build your system from scratch and only choose what you want to install. This is what gives arch linux quite the advantage in regards to speed, compared to other distos.

Of course, that is not to say that arch is the best distro, nor is it for everyone. Arch packages are always 'bleeding edge' and may have some (rare) bugs. However, I have not experienced any stability issues. CentOS and Fedora, as ajkula66 mentioned, are both very stable, user friendly, and secure.

[ajkula66]

The learning experience is great, as it shows you how the linux system really works. You basically build your system from scratch and only choose what you want to install. This is what gives arch linux quite the advantage in regards to speed, compared to other distos.

Arch is the way to go, but requires knowledge that can only be gained if one has time and patience to spare. Once these requirements are met, it's a pretty tough proposal to beat on most levels. Personally, I'm nowhere near being able to handle it...that's why I usually refer to myself as a "recreational Linux user"...