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Dell Latitude D620

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Latitude D620 laptop. The Latitude D620 is a medium level laptop with great Linux support.

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

NameDell Latitude D620
ProcessorIntel Core Duo T2300 1.66Ghz
Screen14.1” WXGA
RAM512MB
HDD80GB
Optical DriveDVD+-RW
GraphicsIntel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Network10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other4 x USB2.0

Linux Compatibility

DeviceCompatibilityComments
ProcessorYes
ScreenYes
Optical DriveYes
GraphicsYes
SoundYesUse the snd-hda-intel module
EthernetYes
WirelessYesUse the ipw3945 module
56K ModemNot Tested
USBYes
PCMCIANot Tested

Notes

As default the native screen resolution of the Latitude D620 is 1280×800, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 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 5a 1280 800
This will then allow you to use the native 1280×800 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 most Linux distributions come with the 915resolution program and include a simple way of achieving this. You can view our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide for more information.

Some versions of the D620 include the Nvidia Quadro NVS 110M. This has not been tested yet.

Some versions of this notebook have the Dell Wireless 1390 or the Dell Wireless 1490 Dual-Band wireless network card. Neither of these cards were tested.

Thanks to khadgaray for adding this:
Works fine with nv module provided by FC6 Xorg 7.1 . For dual screen i use nvidia's driver ( build 9625 )
modem - Unable to find any communication device with lspci listing :(

Summary

As with all Intel Core based notebooks, it is recommended to use a Linux distribution with kernel version 2.6.16 or greater with the Dell Latitude D620. With a up to date kernel this laptop works well with Linux.



If you are looking to purchase a Dell laptop you can visit Dell's laptops page.
Alternatively, to purchase a laptop with Linux pre-installed you can visit Dell's Ubuntu website.

Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the discussion section below. Also, if you would like to be notified when this page is updated you can register to this website and then click the Subscribe Page Changes link below.




Discussion

Bjorn , Thursday 15 of January, 2009 [04:43:49]


I would truely like to thank you both, I finally resolved my problem and now have my wireless card working on my D620. I went back as you suggested Dawid and just reinstalled and rebooted. But only after rebuilding the linux install and starting fresh and as Mike suggested installing the Kernel-Devel for my kernel as well that solved everything. Thanks again for all your feedback and this blog. Now on to the next issue to solve, getting my wireless to work at the office with their WPA setup. LOL.
http://www.batterygoshop.co.uk/dell/d620-battery.htm

Michael, Tuesday 15 of July, 2008 [15:02:40]

Debian testing

Debian testing installed with no real issues, other than teething problems with wireless (debatably due to the university's odd configuration of their wireless modems, rather than debian).

Overall — solid and reliable.

khadgaray, Monday 30 of October, 2006 [07:54:51]

Updates

Works fine with nv module provided by FC6 Xorg 7.1 . For dual screen i sue nvidia's driver ( build 9625 )

modem - Unable to find any communication device with lspci listing :(

Enter your comment
JMQYA
 
dell+latitude+d620.txt · Last modified: Sunday 25 of January, 2009 [01:52:11] (external edit)
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