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Dell Vostro 1500
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1500 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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Specifications
| Name | Dell Vostro 1500 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T5270 1.4GHz |
| Screen | 15.4” WXGA Widescreen |
| RAM | 2GB |
| HDD | 160GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce 8400M |
| Network | Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11abg |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the iwl3945 driver |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Yes | Tested for SD card only |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
| Camera | Yes | Use the uvc-linux driver |
Notes
The NVIDIA Geforce 8400M used the Vostro 1500 needs the proprietary NVIDIA driver to function properly. A few Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu 7.10) provide this driver but for other you will need to install manually.
Some models of the Vostro 1500 use 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 Wireless 1390 controller which is basically a 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.
Comment : The broadcom wireless controller works nicely with the b43-fwcutter. it was automatically recognized by Kubuntu, Ubuntu, and I didn't have any troubles with that.
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. Most distributions require this step.
A recently released Linux distribution, one with at least kernel 2.6.22, is recommended for best hardware support.
Summary
A few steps are required to get the Dell Vostro 1500 working under Linux. Some Linux knowledge will be required for the ALSA and NVIDIA driver installation.
Discussion
Vostro 1500 with Intel X3100
The Intel X3100 driver is working perfectly out of the box on Ubuntu.
The first time I booted Gutsy it was plugged into a desktop monitor and it cloned the screen, had direct rendering (instant Compiz action) and fully kicks for an onboard.
I'm running 2.6.22-14-generic and had zero setup required. Also, XRandR was configured so I can instantly update the display with minimal flicker.
The only thing left to need would be a GUI on par with Nvidia's like my Alienware has. That's probably way more than you needed but I figured I'd post it for anyone else doing research.