This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 8600 notebook. This is a mid to low level notebook. The Inspiron 8600 has very good support for Linux.
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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| Name | Dell Inspiron 8600 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 710 1.4GHz |
| Screen | 15.4” WXGA |
| RAM | 256MB |
| HDD | 30GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Dell 1300 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-intel8x0 module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the Madwifi module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested |
For the Inspiron 8600's NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics chip you can use either the open source 'nv' module or NVIDIA's proprietary 'nvidia' module. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide.
There were no problems at all when running Linux on the Dell Inspiron 8600. The installation went through without problem and Linux runs without issue.
Discussion
Inspiron 8600 OK with openSUSE 11.0
Wifi ok, sound ok, usb ok, touchpad almost ok (no scroll and tricky sensivity)
Last available BIOS (don't remember the Nr).
Works fine - except sound
I just got an 8600 to replace a beat-up D800. Everything was working fine, then I upgraded the BIOS from 6 to 13. Now I have no sound through the laptop speakers. The headphones work fine though.