Should I update the BIOS of my AAO?

Hello there.

Just three days ago I got my Acer Aspire One (AOA 110-1633), the one with Linux and SSD drive, and after reading some stuff about it I came across a 'dreadful' Black Screen Of Death that 'bricks' the device. I also read that it was a problem with SEVERAL BIOS versions (but not all?).

So I want to ask you fellow & experienced (at least more than me) owners of AAO's, should I update the BIOS on my machine?

Here is the info I read in the BIOS:

InsydeH20 Setup Utility. Rev. 3.5
System BIOS Version: v0.3109
VGA BIOS Version: Intel V1585

In my way to post this (I made a search first) I found a post of someone wanting to go back to that BIOS version (?) 3.109 "before is too late", which makes me think I am on the safe side, but I'd like to know for sure (as sure as it can be).

Thanks.
Joe.

 

I had v3114 and was against updating.
However, on my last trip away, it bricked itself 3 times, that was enough for me to go and update to 3304.
No issues since.

 

If it ain't broke...

 

the fix is the same procedure as the update, so I updated when I first encountered the 'black screen of death'.

flashing the bios carries a small risk itself, so I wouldn't bother unless it is really necessary. Typically, you can expect to encounter problems if you are testing new operating systems on the device, otherwise you should be safe.

 

Hopefully, with the newer models, the problem is less frequent than it used to be. I'll let you know in a few weeks.

 

MMM, since I am pretty much 'settled' with this Linpus Linux (which I customized a bit) and am not installing other OS's I guess my One will have a long live.

Thanks.
Joe.

P.D. It's nice to see some familiar faces (nicknames) :mrgreen:

 

Stick with v0.3109 I've tried all later bioses up to 3305 but downgraded back to v0.3109 With this version you can dim the display backlight very dim. With later bios versions the minimum display brightness is much brighter and not very pleasant at night time.

 

If you use XP, you can lower the brightness in the Intel Graphics controls. Not sure if the same applies to Linplus.

 

Well, I use Linpus Linux, and it's ok the brightness.

Thanks.
Joe.

 

I may be wrong but I suspect that most of the BIOS upgrades are for Windows. I am not going to upgrade my BIOS until I find proof that it is needed. See my signature for which BIOS I have.

 

That way you just darken the colors. Not the backlight.

I was talking about dimming the backlight which you dim/brighten with Fn key + Cursor Left/Right. With dimmed backlight the battery lasts a little longer too (Don't ask me hoe long though)

BTW I'm running XP Pro on a AA0 110