Razer Blade Stealth (2017) & Linux

I've had success running Linux on my machine with this setup:

Razer Blade Stealth 2017
13" 3K Screen
16 GB RAM
Integrated Intel graphics

1) Dual boot Windows & Linux
We all know there are no BIOS or firmware updates on Linux. I made the Windows partition as small as it would let me.

2) Screen blanking
I add an extra kernel parameter: "intel_idle.max_cstate=4" in /etc/default/grub. I run Fedora and I can l run using the LiveUSB but once I install it I have to add the kernel parameter or the screen will just blank out about the time I get to the LUKS password entry. I've tried other distros; it seems hit or miss whether you need to add it to run their installer or LiveUSB. Kubuntu seemed to work, OpenSUSE needed the parameter to install.

The intel_idle.max_cstate parameter affects the power states of the CPU. Here's a good writeup on it: https://gist.github.com/wmealing/2dd2b543c4d3cff6cab7. I'm currently running at cstate=1 to play with it. It works for me at cstate=4.

3) Razer apps & settings
Get the OpenRazer apps from https://openrazer.github.io. That will give you control over the keyboard, etc, but if you set it up in Windows you generally don't have to mess with it in Linux. I haven't tried anything but the keyboard and Razer logo lighting.

4) Hardware
The touchscreen, bluetooth, sound & camera all work. If for some reason you can't get a headset mic to work install Blueman. Arch Linux has a good discussion on it - https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Blueman. In Blueman, go to the headset and select Device/Audio Profile and select "Headset Head Unit (HSP/HFP)". Mine keeps defaulting to "High Fidelity Playback". I suspect it's a Fedora issue.

5) Thoughts
a) I thought my Stealth was slippery when I got it so I ordered front, back and touchpad skins for it from https://dbrand.com/razer-blade-laptop-skins. Made a world of difference. Their skins are cut specifically for which model of Razer you have.

b) Touchscreen. I never used it. It seems kinda strange to have one on a laptop. If you want to disable it you can edit whatever file has the X11 parameters for it. Just comment the appropriate section out. Mine is in /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/10-evdev.conf. I had to disable it because my Razer fell off the couch at my friend's house and hit the floor. Cracked the screen. Ouch!

<rant>
I like this machine. It's light and fast. It's a shame I won't buy another one. I need to run Linux and I've never had to mess with kernel parameters to get Linux to run. I'm guessing there's something in the BIOS that enhances performance in Windows that interferes with Linux.
Please, please Razer, support Linux. I'm looking at getting a machine with a 15" screen. Hint, hint...
</rant>

<snark>
If you want to bang your head against the wall over and over, and you think getting Linux to run on a Razer is difficult, try FreeBSD.
</snark>