Hi,
so i got this 13 R3 cheaply and i would like to use it as my daily driver.
However, since i use more Linux based Systems like Ubuntu, i would like to know if there is a way to control/configure it (RGB, Alienware AMP, Thunderbolt etc.) through Linux and maybe how well KVM works on Alienware devices.
Maybe someone has some experience regarding this topic.
Posted Oct 30, 2019, 8:10 PM UTC
I have an Area51m and i'm looking into this as well. As far as i know, there was an utility to control the RGB but sadly (for me) only works for older AW laptops, you might have better luck with it, here is the repo link: https://github.com/trackmastersteve/alienfx
and here is the compatibility list:
https://github.com/trackmastersteve/alienfx/blob/master/docs/Knowledgebase/Devicelist.md
the 13R3 is listed as " Needs the correct Zone Codes" so it may be fixable if you look into it :)
I'm planning on looking into incorporating support or developing a new tool to control A51m lighting but it will have to wait until december; according to my research, the RGB lighting can be configured by sending commands to a USB device that is recognized under linux (if you list USB devices with lsusb you will see it under Alienware lighting or something similar) so any tool able to send commands via usb (even with direct command line bash scripts) can accomplish this (in theory).
I'm looking into it, but first, i have to wait for it be delivered😅
If you dual boot w/ Win10, whatever lighting you have set when you last shut down Win10 will be the same when you boot into Linux. Works for me.
My brother uses Linux on his and has no problems with it
What about the RGB stuff?
Can you ask him how he manages to control it? Or does he turns it off completely under linux?
He uses it threw a USB drive so nothing is affected, and all his original settings are untouched
Ah i see. So he uses linux as a livesystem and the Alienware just keeps it´s config saved inbetween different operating systems.
Can you ask him about the TB3 implementation and if he has experience regarding the alienware amp under linux?