Dell Vostro 1400

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1400 laptop.

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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The NVIDIA Geforce 8400M needs the proprietary NVIDIA driver to function properly. Some Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu 7.10) provide this driver but for other you will need to install manually.

Some models of the Vostro 1400 come with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. It is expected that this controller works just fine but if anybody can provide confirmation that would be great.

Some models also come with the Dell 1390 wireless controller which is basically a rebadged Broadcom controller. This will likely need ndiswrapper to function. If you about to order this laptop try and get it with the Intel controller as its drivers are much better.

For proper sound support you will need to update to the latest version of the development ALSA modules (at least version 1.0.16rc2). Once these updated drivers make it into the kernel this step wont be necessary.

A recently released Linux distribution, one with at least kernel 2.6.22, is recommended for best hardware support.

There are a few steps required to get the Dell Vostro 1400 working under Linux. Some Linux knowledge will be required for the ALSA and NVIDIA driver installation.