eMachines M6805 laptop under Linux (Gentoo amd64)

required kernel parameters:  pci=noacpi noapic

USB support must be compiled into the kernel, otherwise all you get
upon boot is a screen full of repeating atkbd.c errors.

The Gentoo amd64 distribution livecd's as of today should have the
proper options if you use the emachines kernel.

Also, the BIOS is pretty bare and does not have much in the way
of configuration past time and ATA settings.

Instead of using a custom driver for the touchpad add:
  psmouse.proto=imps
to your kernel parameters and ensure XF86Config has:
  Option "Protocol" "imps/2"
  Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
  Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
for mouse options.  The tap-to-click and scroll bar should work and
both buttons at the same time emulates the third button.

Hardware support:

o Internal winmodem requires a wrapper that does not work for the
  64-bit build
o Internal wireless controller based on the Broadcom 54g chipset
  requires a wrapper that does not work for the 64-bit build
o Internal Rhine II ethernet controller supported
o USB supported
o Firewire supported (untested)
o Internal card readers (CF, etc) work, connected internally to
  USB hub
o Cardbus controller supported
o Internal ATI Radeon 9600 supported in 2D mode only under XFree 3.99.xx
o Synaptics touchpad works
o VIA VT8235 sound works fine