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Dell Inspiron 8600
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 8600 notebook. This is a mid to low level notebook. The Inspiron 8600 has very good support for Linux.
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
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Specifications
| Name | Dell Inspiron 8600 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 710 1.4GHz |
| Screen | 15.4” WXGA |
| RAM | 256MB |
| HDD | 30GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Dell 1300 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-intel8x0 module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the Madwifi module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested |
Notes
For the Inspiron 8600's NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics chip you can use either the open source 'nv' module or NVIDIA's proprietary 'nvidia' module. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide.
Summary
There were no problems at all when running Linux on the Dell Inspiron 8600. The installation went through without problem and Linux runs without issue.
Discussion
Works with Ubuntu 10.04
Does NOT work on Ubuntu 11.04 or 12.04: sleep won't work.
Example: on returning from sleep with Ubuntu 12.04:
with driver nvidia 89: freeze
with nvidia 173 or nvidia 173 updated: screen become more and more bright until you see even some the inside behind. It actually damaged my screen: some pixel at the bottom borders now are always white. If you try it make sure you have removed the battery first and you have your hand ready to pull the plug before screen become too bright.
Wireless with Belkin N300 micro wireless adapter: does not work. I have tried everything: nothing works.
Just installed XUbuntu 11.10 on my Inspiron 8600. runs like a charm. I don't even have the graphic errors I had out of the box with a recent Fedora install. Perfect!
Inspiron 8600 OK with openSUSE 11.0
Wifi ok, sound ok, usb ok, touchpad almost ok (no scroll and tricky sensivity)
Last available BIOS (don't remember the Nr).
Works fine - except sound
I just got an 8600 to replace a beat-up D800. Everything was working fine, then I upgraded the BIOS from 6 to 13. Now I have no sound through the laptop speakers. The headphones work fine though.