[LAU] Help with configuring a laptop for Linux Audio work

Hey guys! Recently I've bought a Lenovo IdeaPad B590 laptop. As it is announced as an Ubuntu-certified laptop (here<http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/hardware/201208-11535/>)/>), I did not think twice if buying it and thought that there would hardly be an audio problem - I've used Lenovo laptops before and audio worked very well. However, I was disappointed. Not only had I to use wired Internet, as wi-fi does not work without installation of proprietary drivers, not only had I to install a later kernel, as video card was freezing the system, but Linux Audio does not work well at all. I am using Xubuntu 12.04 with kernel 3.8 now. Here's what has already been done. 1. All real-time priorities and audio group and such standard stuff set up, checked and rechecked by myself and other people at LAC. 2. Autostatic was kind enough to help me turn off bluetooth and webcam, which did seem to help a little bit. His tutorial on this is here<http://linux.autostatic.com/2013/12/29/resolved-jack-issues-on-note… . However, my problems persist. There are two distinct problems. *Problem 1. Xruns.* Even if nothing is done on the computer and/or with audio, xruns are generated. For instance, since I started writing this letter, JACK was on and right now I have an indicator of xruns in qjackctl which says: 7(13). Note, no audio programs are open at all. If I do nothing, just turn on JACK and leave laptop running, xruns are also generated. *Problem 2. USB interruptions.* This problem occurs when I am using USB soundcard or USB headset. I get regular audible interruptions of audio signal. It has no bearing on xruns and occurs even outside of JACK, just when I am listening to Audacious, for example. I tried switching from PulseAudio to ALSA, same result. I though do not remember checking this with YouTube videos, for instance, and right now have no usb devices at hand to check. I would be very grateful for all the suggestions as it would be a pity if this laptop would eventually turn out to be not suitable for audio work. But I would rather find that out sooner than later, while I can still sell it and perhaps buy another model. Cheers! -- Louigi Verona http://www.louigiverona.ru/