This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Page Contents Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Inspiron 1525
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 1.66GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA Widescreen
RAM	2GB
HDD	160GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Network	Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11abg

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	See notes below
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the iwl3945 driver
Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
Card Reader	Not Tested
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested

Notes

Dell also sell the Inspiron 1525 with a Broadcom based wireless controller. If you can try to order this laptop with the Intel controller as the drivers for Linux are far superior.

The sound doesn't work properly with current Linux distributions. You will need to manually install the latest development ALSA drivers (at least version 1.0.16rc2) for full sound support.

Summary

The Dell Inspiron 1525 main issue is with the sound controller, you will need to manually instal the ALSA drivers before it works properly. However this will be rectified in future distribution releases.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.