I first installed Linux Mint Xfce* (my go-to Linux distro for anything Intel Core2-based, *avoid MATE) and I was pleased with performance although occasionally the laptop fails to start up on the first try, just sitting with a blank screen after POST; I've tried to test the SSD (Crystal Disk just reports the drive as being "OK" without providing a %), and I'm considering I need to have another look through the BIOS, otherwise it might just be "one of those things"; powering down and back on always gets it working.

With Mint installed, this gave me the opportunity to look at the battery status. At first it was at 40% health, but I got it up to 59% with a few discharge and charge cycles.

Windows XP

Even though these laptops are from 2008 and this was the era of Windows Vista (mine being a later Windows 7 version) many people and businesses preferred to stick with Windows XP.

I was therefore curious to try Windows XP on this laptop, so I swapped the SSD for a Hard Drive but my initial attempts failed every time with a BSOD. Eventually I realised I needed delve into the BIOS and change from AHCI to IDE.

I've not fully installed things and I'm still not sure which operating system I want to settle on for this laptop; Windows XP for that retro/nostalgia aspect, or Linux Mint to keep this laptop still useable for its next owner. Installing Windows XP as a virtual machine would go some way to cover both bases.

There is a line of "Acer special launch keys" alongside the left side of the keyboard and it may be possible for me to assign these to things in Linux.

Acer TravelMate 5720

When I looked around for a replacement keyboard I found that searching for the model number on the back of the keyboard found me one (and only one) that was from an Acer TravelMate 5720 and I could also find replacement batteries this way. I consulted ChatGPT about the two laptops and it gave me this comparison (and the HTML for the table!):

*Regarding the materials used, from the pictures they don't look all that different.

Some variants have a webcam, but mine doesn't. The laptop also only has two USB ports.

Acer Extensa Wallpaper

Also, I have discovered that by searching for 'Acer Extensa Wallpaper' (because I saw a stock photo with a nice-looking one) that there are some great designs to be found at good resolutions; great for if you have an Acer laptop and like that stock-install look, or some without the branding - many carry the Windows Vista/7 design aesthetic of the 'curtains' while others I think wouldn't look out of place on a Linux install.

Intel Centrino

In addition to the Windows 7 sticker, mine also has an Intel Centrino badge. I always thought "Centrino" was a range of CPUs but ChatGPT informs me this isn't the case:

Intel Centrino is not a specific processor — it's a platform branding Intel used in the 2000s. To be labeled Centrino, a laptop had to meet Intel's requirements in three areas:

1. Processor: An Intel Pentium M, Core Duo, or Core 2 Duo (depending on generation).

2. Chipset: An Intel chipset from the same generation (e.g., GM965 or GM45).

3. Wireless: An Intel-branded Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG or WiFi Link 5100).

If a laptop had all three, it could be sold under the Centrino brand.

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Which Centrino Generation Does the Extensa 5630 Likely Use?

The Acer Extensa 5630 typically came with:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor (e.g., T5800, T6400, T7300)

• Intel GM45 chipset

• Intel WiFi Link 5100/5300 wireless adapter

This combination puts it in the Centrino 2 (a.k.a. Montevina) platform, launched around 2008.

Acer Extensa 7620

Incidentally, there was a 17" variant made in snazzy white, the Extensa 7620: