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 Related Resources Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 710m laptop. The Inspiron 710m is a laptop very similar to the Dell Inspiron 700m. Like the 700m, Linux compatibility is very good.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Inspiron 710m
Processor	Intel Pentium-M 755 2.0GHz
Screen	12.1" WXGA
RAM	512MB
HDD	60GB
Optical Drive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Network	10/100 Ethernet, Intel 2200 802.11g Wireless
Other	2 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 driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw2200 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested

Notes

The screen on the Dell Inspiron 710m has a native resolution of 1280x800. This can be an issue with many Linux distributions due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions. Information on how to fix this can be viewed on our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Increasing battery life

Summary

Some minor configuration work may be necessary to get the screen on the Dell Inspiron 710m working in Linux. Otherwise installation and configuration was easy.


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