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 Authors Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Related Resources Summary

Authors

Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 640m laptop. The Inspiron 640m is a middle range laptop with good Linux support.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Inspiron 640m
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2300E - 1.66 Ghz
Screen	14.1"
RAM	1024MB
HDD	60-100GB
Optical Drive	DVD+/-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Network	10/100 Ethernet, Intel 3945ABG 802.11b/g Wireless
Other	4 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use ipw3945 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Yes
ExpressCard Slot	Yes

Notes

As default the native screen resolution of the Inspiron 640m is 1280x800, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. To get it working you will need to install the 915resolution program and type in:
915resolution 3c 1280 800 (replace "1280 800" with "1440 900" if you have a glossy screen)
This will then allow you to use the native 1280x800 resolution. However this setting will be forgotten after each boot so you will need a way to automatically run this command at every boot. Fortunately many Linux distributions come with the 915resolution program and include a simple way of achieving this.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

The Dell Inspiron 640m laptop works quite well under Linux after using the 915resolution program. Like all Intel Core based laptops, it is recommended you use a Linux distribution with kernel version 2.6.16 or greater.


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