Scripts for running i3 window manager on laptop

This repo includes configuration, scripts and commands needed to get i3 window manager to work better on a laptop. Tested on i3 v4.13 running on Arch Linux, but these tips should work on other Linux systems as well.

i3 config

See the dotfiles repo for example config.

When HDMI connects, fix monitor setup and HDMI audio

To configure Alsa to use HDMI sound when connected, edit the asound.hdmi-connected script in the hdmi-switch/ folder, and then run the install.sh script. The hdmi-switch.sh script is run each time the HDMI cable is connected or disconnected, and also runs xrandr.

An answer on StackExchange provides help on finding the correct Alsa device and card.

TODO: switch to Pulseaudio?

Lock on suspend (when closing laptop lid)

The following requires that you're using systemd-logind. Add the file /etc/systemd/system/i3lock.service with the following contents, replacing USERNAME with your user:

[Unit]
Description=i3lock on suspend
Before=sleep.target

[Service]
User=<USERNAME>
Type=forking
Environment=DISPLAY=:0
ExecStart=/usr/bin/i3lock -c 141414

[Install]
WantedBy=sleep.target

Dimming screen when on battery, monitor off

Add the file /etc/pm/power.d/performance with the following contents;

#!/bin/sh

if [ "$1" = "true" ]
then 
    # Battery
    # Dim screen
    echo 13 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
    # 300s before standby and suspend, 60s monitor off
    xset dpms 100 100 100
else
    # AC
    # Full brightness
    echo 15 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
    # 300s before standby suspend and monitor off
    xset dpms 300 300 300
fi

Remember to chmod u+x /etc/pm/power.d/performance afterwards.